Molten salt electrolytic cell having metal reservoir

Abstract

An electrolysis cell ( ) for producing a molten metal having a density less than a density of a molten electrolyte used for producing the metal in the cell. The cell includes a section ( ) for the electrolysis of a salt of the the metal contained in a molten electrolyte to form droplets of the metal in molten form contained in the electroylte; electrodes ( ) within the electrolysis section for effecting the electrolysis; a metal recovery section ( ) for separation of the metal from the electrolyte to form a molten metal layer, having an upper suface, floating on an upper surface of the molten electrolyte; a tapping device for periodically removing molten metal from the cell; and a reservoir ( ) for withdrawal and temporary holding of molten metal separated from the electrolyte in the metal recovery section. The reservoir has a means to remove liquid from the reservoir without permanently removing the liquid from the cell. The reservoir has a top, sides and bottom and has one or more openings in the top or sides of the container communicating with the metal recovery section. At least part of the opening(s) is maintained below the upper surface ( ) of the metal layer during at least part of normal cell operations, and all of the opening(s) is kept above the upper surface of the electrolyte in the metal recovery section for at least part of the normal cell operation. The sides and bottom are otherwise closed to prevent metal or electrolyte from freely flowing between the metal recovery section and the reservoir. The cell containing such a reservoir may accommodate high rates of metal production without unduly increasing cell size or requiring high heating requirements.