Abstract: An anode assembly for conducting electrical energy to an electrolytic smelting cell including an anode of high electrically conductive material connected to a yoke, the ends of the yoke being receivable within anodes, the yoke including a core of highly electrically conductive material and an outer structural sheath extending substantially the length of the yoke, the anode rod being in electrical contact with the core of the yoke and provided with a protective structural collar secured to the outer structural sheath of the yoke. In order for the electrical and thermal contact between the core and sheath to be maintained, the differential coefficient of thermal expansion over the operating temperature range of the assembly is preferably substantially the same or within 4×10?6 m/mk.

Abstract: An electrolytic reduction cell for the production of a metal is disclosed. The cell includes a plurality of collector bars (21). Each collector bar includes an elongated first section (27) that contacts the cathode (15) and at least one end section (29) that extends through one of the cell side walls (5) and is electrically connected to the electrical current carrier. The cell is characterised in that, for the purpose of controlling current distribution, the first section of each collector bar includes a core (31) of relatively high electrical conductivity material and an outer housing (33) of a more mechanically and chemically resistant material than the core material and the end section of each collector bar is formed from relatively low thermal conductivity material.