ANODE-CATHODE ARRANGEMENT FOR ALUMINUM PRODUCTION CELLS

摘要

An anode-cathode arrangement (14) of new configuration for the electrowinning of aluminum from alumina dissolved in molten salts, consisting of an anode-cathode double-polar electrode assembly unit or a continuous double polar assembly in which the anode (16) and cathode (18) are bound together and their interelectrode gap is maintained substantially constant by means of connections (15) made of materials of high electrical, chemical, and mechanical resistance. Novel, multi-double-polar cells for the electrowinning of aluminum contain two or more of such anode-cathode double-polar electrode assembly units (14). This arrangement permits the removal of any of the anode-cathode double-polar electrode assembly units during operation of the multi-double-polar cell whenever the anode and or the cathode or any part of the electrode unit needs reconditioning for efficient cell operation, and then reimmersion into the cell to continue normal operation.