Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa USA Corp.

Richard M Beeler

Leroy E D'Astolfo

The instant disclosure provides an electrolysis cell, which includes: an anode; a cathode block; and a current collector bar configured to be at least partially disposed adjacent to and in electrical communication with the cathode block, wherein the bar comprises: at least one sidewall; an inner void enclosed by the sidewall; and an expandable material retained in the inner void via the at least one sidewall, wherein the expandable material is configured to exert pressure on the wall of the inner void while the bar is at operating temperature, such that the bar is conformed to the cathode block.

Current collector bar apparatus, system, and method of using the same

In accordance with the instant disclosure, aluminum electrolysis cells having reduced cathode voltage drop and methods of operating the same are provided. More particularly, the instant disclosure provides a compression device for applying a force to an end of the current collector subassembly to improve the contact, thereby reducing the joint resistance across the interface between the cathode block and the current collector subassembly. The compression device is used in conjunction with the systems and methods of the instant disclosure.

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Saxonburg, PA, United States of America

Richard M Beeler