Abstract: A method of controlling interelectrode distance when a short occurs between an anode and the cathode metal pad of an electrolytic cell. Anode current data is provided by sampling anode current at a relatively high frequency, and noting any substantial instantaneous increase in current by observing the data over a period of time. Estimates of instantaneous losses in current efficiency over a base period of time due to the shorting are then made. Current efficiency losses are reduced by repositioning the anode via a command from a cell control computer to anode positioning means or by manual adjustment of the anodes in the cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell in which a terminal cathode and a bipolar electrode located immediately adjacent the cathode are spaced apart a distance greater than the height at which molten metal produced on the cathode will accumulate before the metal begins to run off the cathode. In this manner, shorting together of the cathode and the adjacent bipolar electrode by the accumulation of molten metal is avoided under both operating and standby conditions. Under standby conditions, using the heat produced by the resistance of the anode and cathode of the cell to the flow of electrical current directed therethrough, metal tends to accumulate on at least a portion of the cathode because of a potential (voltage) difference existing between a portion of the anode and a portion of the cathode.