Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of metal from a molten electrolyte and an electrode assembly for use in such a cell. The cell (10) comprises an electrode assembly consisting of an anode (17), a cathode (19) and one or more bipolar electrodes (18) disposed between the anode and the cathode so as to form interpolar spaces (16) in which electrolysis occurs. In the electrode assembly, the bipolar electrode (if there is only one) or the innermost bipolar electrode (if there are more than one) substantially surrounds the anode and forms a single mechanical and electrical entity. The cathode in turn preferably substantially surrounds the one or more bipolar electrodes. The electrode assembly comprising the cathode and bipolar electrode(s) is preferably unitary, forming an electrode cassette that can be assembled outside a cell and then introduced into, or withdrawn from, the cell as a single self-supporting unit.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for metal, particularly Mg, production includes a cathode or intermediate bipolar electrode having a cathodic face provided with a plurality of small cavities shaped to trap droplets of molten metal formed during electrolysis. The cavities help the metal droplets to coalesce and reduce the extent of back reaction with e.g. chlorine generated at the anode.

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.