GB818840A - Improvements in or relating to electrolytic cells - Google Patents

Abstract

818,840. Fused-electrolyte apparatus. DU PONT DE NEMOURS & CO., E.I. Dec. 10, 1957 [Feb. 20, 1957], No. 38379/57. Class 41. A cell for electrolysing fused salts comprises a carbonaceous, e.g. graphite, anode 21 extending vertically into the cell from the bottom, the lower end of the anode 21 being rigidly fastened into a carbonaceous, e.g. graphite, base block 2 which is adapted to hold the anode 21 in the vertical position and to serve as an electrical conductor between the anode 21 and an external electrical power source. The anode 21 is cylindrical and may make threaded engagement at its lower end with a socket in the block 2, as shown, or may be tapered conically and engage a similar shaped socket in the block, graphite pins anchoring the anode in the block. Alternatively, a peg in the anode base may engage a slot in the block. A single anode or a plurality may be employed. Metal wings 8 lead current from a bus-bar to a steel box 4 containing the block 2, the cell construction being similar to that described in Specification 668,691, a metal 10, e.g. Wood's metal, which is liquid at the operating temperature, filling a space between the box 4 and block 2. The diameter of the anode should be at least 5 per cent, and preferably 20 to 30 per cent, shorter than the side of the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the cell. Where tapered anodes are employed, the angle of taper.should be 3 to 15 degrees, and preferably 70 to 10 degrees, to the vertical. Specification 238,956, [Class 41], also is referred to.