Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of a nitrogen trifluoride gas by a molten salt electrolysis comprises electrodes, partition plates, bottom surface, liquid surface of an elecrolytic bath and lids, at least some of these members being in a particular distance relationship.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of a nitrogen trifluoride gas by a molten salt electrolysis comprises electrodes, partition plates, bottom surface, liquid surface of an electrolytic bath and lids, at least some of these members being in a particular distance relationship.

Abstract: In a feeder for feeding additives such as aluminium oxide or fluoride to aluminium electrolysis cells, the additives are fed to the electrolytic bath of the cell through a hole in the bath crust via a pipe stub. The hole is made by means of a crust breaker having a crow bar connected to a piston/cylinder device. The point feeder is made of a housing comprising an upper part, wholly or partly open to the surroundings, and a lower part closed the crust and other parts of the surroundings. The crow bar extends down through a guide in the form of a bushing, which is provided between the upper and lower part. Further, the pipe is attached to the lower part, or is provided under the lower part, for instance on the gas apron of the anode casing in a Soederberg cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing uranium and/or plutonium oxides to produce a solid, high-purity metal. The apparatus is an electrolyte cell consisting of a first container, and a smaller second container within the first container. An electrolyte fills both containers, the level of the electrolyte in the first container being above the top of the second container so that the electrolyte can be circulated between the containers. The anode is positioned in the first container while the cathode is located in the second container. Means are provided for passing an inert gas into the electrolyte near the lower end of the anode to sparge the electrolyte and to remove gases which form on the anode during the reduction operation. Means are also provided for mixing and stirring the electrolyte in the first container to solubilize the metal oxide in the electrolyte and to transport the electrolyte containing dissolved oxide into contact with the cathode in the second container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing lithium from an aluminum-lithium alloy scrap comprising (a) a dryer for removing moisture from solid aluminum-lithium alloy; (b) a reservoir for heating and holding molten aluminum-lithium alloy; (c) a three-layered electrolysis cell comprising a most dense lowest layer of molten aluminum-lithium alloy, a middle layer of molten salt electrolyte, and an uppermost layer of molten lithium; and (d) a reactive gas fluxing unit to remove water present in the molten salt.

Abstract: Zones having an increased refractive index shall be created as optical wave guides, or the like, in plane-parallel plates by ion exchange from a salt melting. For this purpose the plate is clamped between two holding hodies made of metal. The holding bodies form cavities (26,28) on both sides of the plate. These cavities are open towards the plate. The cavities are surrounded by closed sealing surfaces engaging the plate. Reservoirs for the salt melting communicate through filling conduits with the lower ends of the cavities. Vent conduits extend from the cavities.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell recovery of metal comprising a first partition wall provided with partition openings situated beneath the level of an electrobath and disposed between a dissociated metal recovery chamber and an electrolytic chamber having an anode and a cathode and a second partition wall adapted to constitute an intermediate chamber between the first and second partition walls for recovery of dissociated Cl.sub.2 gas; and also the arrangement of bipolar electrodes in the electrolytic cell and the shape of a control plate for preventing the deposition of sludge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splitting a mass of fluidizable powder into a plurality of powder streams and conveying the powder streams through a plurality of ducts. The apparatus comprises a powder splitter defining a chamber, a plurality of hollow ducts each having an entrance communicating with the chamber, and a gas source including a plurality of gas nozzles within the ducts and directed outwardly of the chamber. The gas nozzles propel gas jets into the ducts so that portions of the fluidizable powder are conveyed through the ducts. A particularly preferred apparatus is utilized for conveying a plurality of alumina powder streams to an aluminum electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A fluorine-generating electrolytic cell has the base 12 thereof insulated electrically by a layer 10 of plastics material such as PTFE which is held against the cell base by means of structure extending between cooling coils 24 of the cell and the layer 10.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation of oxygen from oxygen containing gaseous mixtures, such as air, using an oxygen containing molten inorganic salt electrolyte retained in a porous matrix between two gas porous catalytic electrodes wherein oxygen is separated from the gaseous mixture when electrical potential is applied across the electrodes providing movement of non-metallic oxygen containing ion from the cathode to the anode.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of molten salt having rotatable anode and cathode electrodes in a container for the molten electrolyte. The electrodes are conical in shape and have vent holes facilitating removal of evolved gases from the electrode surfaces. The liberated metal is thrown from the electrode and collected. The electrodes may be arranged in a symmetrical stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for regulating the acidity of the electrolytic bath by recycling fluorinated effluents emitted by the Hall-Heroult electrolytic cells for the production of aluminum, in which said fluorinated effluents are collected, by the dry route, on the alumina. It comprises the following stages:a reference value for the fluorine/alumina weight ratio is fixed in connection with the alumina leaving the collecting apparatus,a continuous measurement takes place of the fluorine and alumina quantities entering the collecting apparatus,the alumina flow rate is regulated so as to maintain the F/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio at its reference value, generally fixed between 0.

Abstract: Alumina is reduced to molten aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing a molten electrolyte bath composed of halide salts and having a density less than alumina and aluminum and a melting point less than aluminum. The cell comprises a plurality of vertically disposed, spaced-apart, non-consumable, dimensionally stable anodes and cathodes. Alumina particles are dispersed in the bath to form a slurry. Current is passed between the electrodes, and oxygen bubbles form at the anodes, and molten aluminum droplets form at the cathodes. The oxygen bubbles agitate the bath and enhance dissolution of the alumina adjacent the anodes and inhibit the alumina particles from settling at the bottom of the bath. The molten aluminum droplets flow downwardly along the cathodes and accumulate at the bottom of the bath.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a glass member for a field-assisted ion exchange utilizing anodic and cathodic contacting by molten salts characterized by the glass member being arranged between two salt melt vessels containing the salts, each of the vessels having a contact opening surrounded by a sealing lip or surface for engaging a surface of the member as the member is interposed between the two openings and each of the vessels having an arrangement for evacuation of the vessels to form a seal between the sealing lip and the surface of the member. An embodiment of the invention includes a device for changing the level of the molten salts, either by dipping electrodes therein or by rotating the vessels so that the contact openings may be submerged in the molten salt or be above the liquid salt to allow a removing and changing of the glass members being processed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the electrolytic preparation of a mother alloy of iron and neodymium by the reduction of a mixture comprising at least one reactive oxygen-bearing compound of neodymium in a bath of molten halides with at least one metallic cathode, preferably of iron, and a carbon anode. In accordance with the invention, the bath is primarily formed by a mixture of molten fluorides whose decomposition potential is close to that of NdF.sub.3 or more negative, such as for example NdF.sub.3, MgF.sub.2, ScF.sub.3, CeF.sub.3, LaF.sub.3, BaF.sub.2, CaF.sub.2 and SrF.sub.2, and permitting solubilization of the oxides by a complexing effect, the solute to be reduced is formed by a mixture of salts primarily containing a reactive oxygen-bearing compound of neodymium which is very rapidly soluble in the molten electrolyte. The working temperature is in a range of from 640.degree. to 1030.degree. C., the anodic current density is from 0.1 to 1.5 A/cm.sup.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrochemically separating alkali oxides to simultaneously generate oxygen gas and liquid alkali metals in a high temperature electrolytic cell is provided. The high temperature electrolytic cell comprises a cathode in contact with an alkali ion conducting molten salt electrolyte separated from the anode by an oxygen vacancy conducting solid electrolyte. Alkali metals separated in the alkali metal reducing half cell reaction are useful as reducing agents in the direct thermochemical refining of lunar metal oxide ores to produce metallic species and alkali oxides, and the alkali oxides may then be recycled to the high temperature electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a glass member for a field-assisted ion exchange utilizing anodic and cathodic contacting by molten salts characterized by the glass member being arranged between two salt vessels containing the salts, each of the vessels having a contact opening surrounded by a sealing lip or surface for engaging a surface of the member as the member is interposed between the two openings and each of the vessels having an arrangement for evacuation of the vessels to form a seal between the sealing lip and the surface of the member. An embodiment of the invention includes a device for changing the level of the molten salts, either by dipping electrodes therein or by rotating the vessels so that the contact openings may be submerged in the molten salt or be above the liquid salt to allow a removing and changing of the glass members being processed.

Abstract: Process for purifying the fumes emitted by electrolysis pots for the production of aluminum from fluorinated products, alumina and various components of the electrolysis bath, and for using again these products in the pots. The process consists in sucking the electrolysis fumes from at least a hole provided in the crust, and kept constantly open, by keeping under suction only the area surrounding said hole, in contacting the fumes with alumina, and in reintroducing the products fixed and/or retained on the alumina directly back into the same pot from which they have been emitted. Equipment for accomplishing the process, constitutes a cap placed in contact with the crust in correspondence of the hole, by a reactor of the fluidized bed type, or of the injection "Venturi" type, positioned in correspondence of the pot, with related filter and fan/exhauster.

Abstract: In this field it is a problem to find practical technical solutions for heat recovery at the same time as regulation and control of the temperature conditions during cell operation is difficult, especially when cooling of the cell is intended. The arrangement comprises cooling chambers (6A, 6B, 6C, 6', 51) each having a base area covering a small proportion of the surface of each cell. Together these cooling chambers cover a substantial proportion of the cell surface without any significant space between the cooling chambers. These are adapted to receive a through-flow of a cooling medium which is controlled (8A, 8B, 8C) individually for each cooling chamber, and the cooling medium preferably is helium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of producing lithium metal by the electrolysis of fused mixed salts comprising electrolyzing fused mixed salts consisting of lithium chloride and potassium chloride in a diaphragmless electrolytic cell, withdrawing molten lithium metal from the cell to a receiver and cooling the lithium metal which has been withdrawn.

Abstract: Lithium metal is continuously prepared, in specially adapted electrolytic cell, by (i) continuously electrolyzing a mixture of molten salts including lithium chloride, said mixture comprising the medium of electrolysis, (ii) continuously withdrawing admixture of product lithium metal with said mixture of molten salts, and (iii) continuously discharging formed chlorine gaseous phase therefrom, wherein the medium of electrolysis is maintained at a temperature ranging from the melting point of said mixture of molten salts, at the eutectic composition thereof, to 400.degree. C., and said gaseous chlorine phase is maintained at a temperature not exceeding 300.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly is disclosed for use in electrolytic cells for producing metal by the electrolysis of a molten-salt electrolyte. The electrode assembly includes at least one anode and cathode disposed within an electrolytic cell in a spaced-relationship to thereby define an inter-electrode space and an effective electrolyte bath area. The parallel, opposed sides of the anode and cathode defining the inter-electrode space of the improved electrode assembly have an offset, sawtooth pattern of triangular peaks and valleys to thereby increase the effective electrode surface area and to facilitate the rapid, effective removal of gas produced during electrolysis from the anode and from the inter-electrode, electrolyte bath area. To further facilitate the removal of such gases, the anode of the present invention includes a uniformly distributed plurality of gas evacuation apertures therethrough.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for a molten salt comprising alkali- or alkaline earth metal chloride, comprising: an assembly of anode and cathode in opposed relation with each other, a tightly closable vessel containing said assembly and capable of holding in molten state a salt comprising an alkali- or alkaline earth metal chloride, an insulative partition arranged around the anode and extending axially over a height range including the intended bath level, several projections formed to a length on an effective side of the anode opposed to the cathode, said projection having upper and lower surfaces declining outwards so an open bottom-closed top space is provided under each projection, a rise bore formed lengthwise within the anode to run along the axis and a lateral hole in communicating relation with an inward ascent between said space and rise bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cell for producing a metal by electrolyzing halides in a molten salt bath. It consists of using one cathode in the form of a basket, simultaneously passing a current I.sub.1 between this cathode and an anode in such a manner as to carry out a first deposit of crude metal in the basket and a current I.sub.2 between the said basket and complimentary cathodes for depositing the final metal thereon. The cell consists of a central anodic system, a tubular cathodic basket surrounding the anode and a series of cathodes surrounding this basket, a positioning which cathodes can be reversed in relation to the basket.

Abstract: The plant for the electrolytic production of a metal in a molten salt bath by deposition at the cathode in the solid state includes an outer casing, means for maintaining an atmosphere inert to the metal to be produced in the casing, a container within the casing and arranged to contain the molten salt bath and having a movable cover, a plurality of electrodes suspended in the molten salt bath each bearing on means for supporting it and connecting it electrically, the means comprising for each of the electrodes a pair of electrically conductive elements facing each other and supported respectively by two opposite walls of the container and handling means associated with the outer casing for removing any one of the electrodes from the container after raising of the movable cover.

Abstract: A process for automatically going into the mode for increased suction extraction of the gases emitted by the tanks of series for the production of aluminium by igneous electrolysis using the Hall-Heroult process, each tank being closed around its periphery by a plurality of removable covers which are disposed in substantially sealed relationship with each other and between each thereof and their support means on the periphery of the tank, the gases being collected over each tank by at least one duct connected to a centralized suction extraction system.The temperature of the gases in the duct is continuously measured. Opening of at least one cover gives rise to an abrupt drop in temperature, which makes it possible to put the system into the increased suction extraction mode, which will be automatically stopped when, all the covers being closed again, the temperature of the gases will substantially resume its initial value.The power required for the suction system is thus substantially reduced.

Abstract: Lithium metal is continuously prepared by, in a specially adapted electrolytic cell, (i) continuously electrolyzing the lithium chloride which comprises a mixture of molten salts, which mixture comprises the medium of electrolysis and such medium of electrolysis naturally circulating within an interspace defined between the electrodes of the cell, said interspace being devoid of physical barrier between said electrodes, (ii) continuously withdrawing therefrom product lithium metal in admixture with the mixture of molten salts, and (iii) continuously discharging undiluted chlorine gas therefrom.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved Hall cell for electrolytic reduction of aluminum from a molten salt bath having a carbon cathode bottom wall and sidewall, a cover over said cell, at least one anode within said cell depending from an anode support rod passing through said cover, conductive means over the carbon bottom wall to reduce the spacing between the anode and the cathode, and protective sidewall lining means relatively inert to attack by the molten salt bath on the inner surface of the carbon sidewall. Cooling means are provided to cool an upper portion of the sidewall lining adjacent the surface of the molten salt bath to promote the formation of a protective layer of frozen bath over the exposed portion of the sidewall lining adjacent the surface of the molten salt bath while retaining within the cell at least a portion of the heat removed from the sidewall lining.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the construction of a Hall cell for the production of aluminum by electrolytic reduction of alumina in a molten salt bath wherein a conductive carbon cathode lining comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall is surrounded adjacent the outer surface thereof with an insulating layer, and a layer of conductive material overlies the inner surface of at least the bottom wall of the carbon lining to reduce the effective spacing between the cathode and one or more anodes in the cell to thereby reduce the power consumption of the cell. The improvement comprises an air passageway between the insulating layer and the outer surface of the carbon lining sidewall and an air inlet port adjacent the bottom of the passageway for passing air into the air passageway and along the outer surface of the carbon lining sidewall whereby the carbon sidewall may be cooled sufficiently to permit the formation of a protective layer of frozen bath on the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: A cell for producing magnesium or other metal by electrolysis of molten chloride or other electrolyte comprises at least one electrode assembly of an anode 24, at least one intermediate bipolar electrode 28, 30, 32, 34 and a cathode 26 defining generally vertical interelectrode spaces between them. To minimize current leakage, the intermediate bipolar electrodes preferably almost completely surround the anode including the edges and the bottom.In operation, a metal/electrolyte mixture is swept up the interelectrode spaces by generated chlorine gas and spills out over the cathode into a duct 20 behind the cathode, the duct including a restricted passage 58 for degassing and an inverted channel 62 to collect product metal and convey it to a metal collection chamber 18.The electrolyte surface is preferably maintained at about the level of the top edges of the intermediate bipolar electrodes by means of a level control device 22 submerged in electrolyte in the metal collection chamber.

Abstract: In an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum from alumina, having an anode-to-cathode gap of from 1 to 5 cm, the flow of electrolyte through the interelectrode gap is induced by positioning the cathode at an inclination of from about 2 to about 15 degrees from the horizontal, and operating at an anode current density of from about 0.5 to about 3.0 A/cm.sup.2. The cathode surface is a Refractory Hard Material which is wetted by aluminum.

Abstract: The thermally insulated cell comprises: a trough with a steel shell which is surrounded by an outer wall, is lined with a material which is resistant to electrolyte and high temperatures, and is closed by a lid; an electrolyte based on alkali chlorides; segregation wells for the addition of aluminum which is to be purified and for the precipitation of impurity crystals; a supply means which is used to feed-in electrolyte material and is also conceived as a waste gas extractor; a collection and run-off system for the high purity aluminum. Provided in the interior of the cell are bipolar electrode units which are connected electrically in series and are arranged immersed in the electrolyte parallel to the end electrodes. The electrode units comprise graphite frames closed and sealed off by a diaphragm plate, which can be wet by the electrolyte but not by the aluminum. The interpolar distance between the inner side of the diaphragm plate and the cathodic graphite frame is preferably 10-25 mm.

Abstract: Silane, SiH.sub.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is disclosed including means for holding a first electrode in position relative to a second electrode to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing the electrolyte; the means for holding including float means adapted for supporting the first electrode essentially free from support by internal surfaces of the cell; and conductive means for electrically connecting one electrode to a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.An electrolytic method is disclosed including floating a first electrode essentially free from support by the internal surfaces of an electrolytic cell; arranging a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to form an inter-electrode zone for containing electrolyte; and connecting one electrode electrically with a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.

Abstract: A cell for the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum comprises an electrolyte bath composed of halide salts having a density greater than aluminum but less than alumina. A non-consumable anode is located at the bottom of the bath, and a dimensionally stable cathode coated with titanium diboride is spaced above the anode and totally immersed in the bath. Particles of alumina are introduced into the bath where the alumina dissolves and forms ions of aluminum and oxygen. The oxygen ions are converted at the anode to gaseous oxygen which bubbles upwardly through the bath, agitating the bath. As a result, the bath is substantially saturated with dissolved alumina in the region of the anode, and the build-up of a layer of undissolved alumina on the anode is prevented. The aluminum ions are converted to metallic aluminum at the cathodes, and molten aluminum accumulates as a pool atop the bath above the cathodes.

Abstract: In a process for producing aluminum by electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a cryolite-based molten salt contained between a cathode and a plurality of previously baked carbon anodes which are consumed with evolution of oxides of carbon, the improvement including setting all anodes at the same time.

Abstract: A device for the fused salt electrolysis of alkali metal halides by the Downs principle becomes operable on an expanded scale, by a process ensuring a favorable thermal economy of the cell, through the incorporation of a double bottom, an improved housing for receiving the anode sleeves, and a differentiatedly heat controllable base, shell, and cover construction with variable current load.

Abstract: Separating volatile impurities from AlCl.sub.3 by supplying impure AlCl.sub.3 into a molten salt bath of a gas separation compartment in an electrolysis cell. The impurities are removed from the compartment and molten salt bath containing dissolved AlCl.sub.3 is carried under a partition into a chamber where the AlCl.sub.3 is electrolyzed. In a preferred embodiment, desublimation is avoided by supplying AlCl.sub.3 to the bath as a gas rather than in solid form.

Abstract: Electrolytic cells for production of Mg or other metal lighter than the molten electrolyte comprise electrode assemblies of anode 28, cathode 26 and intermediate bipolar electrodes 30 with substantially vertical regions 39 between them. The intermediate bipolar electrodes have open-top channels 50 along their top edges. An electrolyte/metal mixture rising from the interelectrode regions by gas lift is transported along these channels, substantially undisturbed by rising gas, to a weir 20 and then to a metal collection chamber 18. The electrolyte surface is kept at a constant level, preferably by means of a vessel 22 submerged in electrolyte in the metal collection chamber, to or from which molten electrolyte can be transferred to alter the surface level.

Abstract: Electrolytic cells for production of Mg or other metal lighter than the molten electrolyte comprise electrode assemblies of anode 28, cathode 26 and intermediate bipolar electrodes 30 with substantially vertical regions 39 between them. The intermediate bipolar electrodes have open-top channels 50 along their top edges. An electrolyte/metal mixture rising from the interelectrode regions by gas lift is transported along these channels, substantially undisturbed by rising gas, to a weir 20 and then to a metal collection chamber 18. The electrolyte surface is kept at a constant level, preferably by means of a vessel 22 submerged in electrolyte in the metal collection chamber, to or from which molten electrolyte can be transferred to alter the surface level.

Abstract: A cell and process is provided for the production of fluorine comprising electrolyzing a liquid mixture of fluorides of alkali metal, ammonium and hydrogen fluoride. The cell anode comprises a stock of anode plates with internal passages or it may comprise a carbon shape provided with grooves and passages and fitted to a central conductor which conducts current from the exterior of the cell to the carbon anode plates within the cell. The anode having a substantially expanded working surface has the capability of removing fluorine internally. A louvered cathode permits most of the hydrogen to be vented away from the zone between the electrodes through which current passes thus reducing the ohmic voltage loss. The cathode, rather than being louvered, can be expanded metal or punched sheet or gauze. The anode, cathode and barrier may be cylindrical in form although other shapes, for instance rectangular or square in cross section or even of hexagonal section, may be used if desired.

Abstract: Directed to the electrolytic purification of molten magnesium chloride cell feed and to a covered cell design therefor wherein preferably a plurality of bipolar electrodes are employed. A current density of about 0.8 to about 1.5 amperes per square inch D.C. is employed, flow of the electrolyte through the cell proceeds in a non-turbulent manner through flow passages in the electrodes, and the solid impurities deposited electrolytically are removed periodically by mechanical action.

Abstract: An apparatus including a single electrolytic/reaction cell, for extraction of titanium sponge from rutile ore. Magnesium chloride is electrolytically separated into magnesium metal and chlorine gas within the cell. The chlorine gas produced is reacted with rutile ore and coke to produce titanium tetrachloride in a separate chlorinator and the product is directed to the cell subsequent to completion of electrolysis. Titanium tetrachloride is reacted with magnesium metal in the same cell where the magnesium is produced to form titanium sponge and magnesium chloride. The titanium sponge is separated within said cell with the magnesium chloride being recovered and recycled. Major impurities are separated by distillation. Plural electrolytic cells can be coupled to a single chlorinator in a continuous process. Very pure titanium sponge is produced with this self-replenishing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolysis of MgCl.sub.

Abstract: A manufacture, including a ceramic tube, and a metal liner within the tube and closer to one end of the tube than the other. A method of using such a manufacture wherein material such as subliming material is fed through the tube in the direction from the liner-close end to the liner-distant end.

Abstract: A method of growing crystalline semiconductors such as GaAs is disclosed. The method involves epitaxial deposition from the vapor phase and provides dopant material such as sulphur in the form of a molecular beam. The molecular beam is developed by effusion from a knudsen cell. The difficulties previously encountered using sulphur as such a cell are counteracted by use of an electrochemical cell as the sulphur source. The technique allows complicated doping profiles to be produced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a detachable assembly for spot feeding alumina to a tank for the production of aluminum. A fixed hopper is made integral with horizontal metal girders which form at least part of its side walls. The hopper is provided with a bottom aperture for discharge of alumina therethrough. An impervious metal case is positioned vertically in said hopper with the upper part of the case open and substantially at the level of the upper part of the hopper. The case has two substantially parallel vertical branches, the first branch opening, at its lower portion, outside the hopper, and the second branch opening, at its lower portion, inside the hopper, in the immediate vicinity and on the axis of the aperture for the discharge of alumina.

Abstract: Conventional fused salt reduction cells feature anode conductor sections which are spaced apart and have the function of feeding electric current to the anodes via anode rods. An electrically insulated footbridge positioned over the cell between the anode conductor sections makes it possible to walk above the cell. A housing with slight positive pressure created by the supply of fresh air to it, is preferably provided over this footbridge. Transverse cells are arranged asymmetrically in a pot room. An air-tight, closeable walk-way i.e. gangway is provided on the inside or outside of the long wall of the pot room. Extensions to the cell housings lead to appropriate openings in the long wall of the pot room or to the longitudinal wall of a gangway in the interior of the pot room. The fresh air is passed through the gangway and emerges from the open end of the cell housing.

Abstract: In the production of magnesium by electrolysis of a fused salt the metal is collected over a body of the fused salt under a heavily insulated cover to reduce heat loss from the molten metal under a substantially non-oxidizing atmosphere. The electrolyte is held down to a controlled temperature somewhat above the melting point of magnesium by means of a heat exchanger which projects into the fused electrolyte and is arranged so as to avoid significant uptake of heat from the supernatant molten metal. This arrangement permits the electrolyte temperature to be controlled with reduced formation of sludge and extended cell life by avoidance of exposure of the electrolyte to atmospheric moisture.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention concerns an improved process for the electrolytic reduction of a metal from a metal compound and comprises the steps of providing a carbon cathode within a container, dissolving the metal compound in a molten salt electrolyte solvent bath which is disposed within the container, the molten electrolyte bath having a higher decomposition potential than the metal compound and having a lesser density than the reduced molten metal, and continuously providing a particulate, free-flowing, high purity, and highly conductive carbon material to the molten bath to serve as the anode, the particulate carbon material having a lesser density than the molten bath, placing an electrical connection in contact with the particulate carbon anode material and applying an electric current thereto, and collecting reduced metal at the cathode.