Improvements in electrolytic reduction cells for aluminium production.

摘要

in conventional electrolytic cells for aluminium production, heat loss through the side walls is necessary to cause the formation of a protective layer of solid electrolyte. In this invention, the side walls are lined with a ceramic material, e.g. titanium diboride, resistant to the electrolyte and to molten aluminium. Thermal insulation is provided such that a layer of solid electrolyte is not present during normal operation of the cell. A cathode current collection system is provided such that the horizontal lateral currents in the cathode are insignificant compared with the vertical current.