Abstract: An electrolysis method involving electrolyzing, between anodic and cathodic surface areas, a compound dissolved in a solvent. A liquid cathodic body is located in a region such that it is possible for waves in the body to touch anodic surface area. The improvement includes placing a bed of objects into the mentioned region. Interstices remain between the objects for accommodating liquid from the mentioned body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting electrodes of an electrolytic cell from thermal shock when the temperature of the cell is raised from room temperature to an elevated operating temperature. For aluminum electrolysis at about 950.degree. C., a cavity in each cathode is filled with a metal plug, preferably a solid plug of 33.2% Cu--Al alloy. A portion of each cathode protruding into a chamber of the cell is provided with a sleeve of insulating material, preferably expanded fibrous kaolin. A heat dispersing means encircles each cathode radially outwardly thereof. A preferred form of the heat dispersing means is a stainless steel jacket located externally of the insulating material sleeve. After the cell is heated, the chamber is filled with a bath, and electrolysis is established.