Diaphragmless electrolyzer for producing magnesium and chlorine

摘要

The electrolyzer has a refractory-lined hollow shell divided into a group of electrolytic cells and a magnesium collecting cell by a vertical separator plate that is shorter than the shell. Steel cathodes shaped as frames embrace a graphite anodes arranged in groups. To convey magnesium from the electrolytic cells into a magnesium collecting cell, at least two passageways are provided, each of them being substantially at right angles to the graphite anodes and to the separator plate. The separator plate has through perforations situated below the electrolyte level. Each of the passageways is confined between the wall of the electrolyzer shell and the portion of the cathode that faces towards the magnesium collecting cell. The width of each of the magnesium conveyance passageways is a maximum of three times the width of the gap across the adjacent graphite anode and steel cathode in each electrolytic cell.