Alcan International Limited

Thomas P DeAngelis

Adam J Gesing

Edward L Cambridge

Meine Vandermeulen

John McIntyre

In an electrolytic reduction cell for the production of molten metal, particularly aluminium, by electrolysis of a less dense salt monolayer of ceramic shapes is located on the floor of the cell. Such shapes are formed of a ceramic material, wettable by molten aluminium, but not wettable by the cell electrolyte. The spacing between adjacent shapes and/or the apertures in individual shapes is selected such that interfaced surface forces prevent entry of electrolyte between the shapes. The shapes may be tiles, honeycombs, cylinders, tubes, balls etc. The product metal may be collected in a sump for periodic withdrawal from the cell or withdrawn continuously or at short intervals through a selective filter that permits passage of molten metal, but not of molten cell electrolyte, at low withdrawal rates.

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Horsehead, NY, United States of America

Thomas P DeAngelis