Abstract: It is disclosed a system and process for starting up an electrolytic cell. The system and process are particularly adapted for preheating an electrolytic cell or pot having cathodes before installing preheated anodes in the cell, for the production of a metal (e.g. aluminum). The system comprises one or more electrical heaters installed in the cell in place of the anode assemblies and can be used with a dry bath or a liquid melted bath (e.g. cryolite). The cell is preferably preheated by as many cell preheaters as there are anode assemblies. The cell preheater is preferably powered by current available in the pot's busbar. The invention is environmentally friendly as being preferably adapted for preheating a cell working with inert or oxygen-evolving anodes. Furthermore, the starting up process allows optimizing/reducing the time necessary for starting up the electrolytic cell, while securing the materials located inside the cell.

Abstract: Anode assembly (100) comprising an anode (3) and an anode support (4) for the production of aluminum, characterized in that the anode assembly (100) comprises an electrical connecting element (1) to electrically connect the anode support (4) with the anode (3), and at least one thermally insulating element (6) arranged to reduce heat transfer between the anode (3) and the anode support (4) during the production of aluminum.

Abstract: Anode assembly (100) comprising an anode (3) and an anode support (4) for the production of aluminium, characterized in that the anode assembly (100) comprises an electrical connecting element (1) to electrically connect the anode support (4) with the anode (3), and at least one thermally insulating element (6) arranged to reduct heat transfer between the anode (3) and the anode support (4) during the production of aluminium.