GB883778A - Improvements in or relating to anodes - Google Patents

Abstract

883,778. Fused-electrolyte cells. DU PONT DE NEMOURS & CO., E.I. Dec. 22, 1959, No. 43537/59. Class 41. A rectangular anode assembly for use in a fused salt electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of elongated graphite pieces 3, means, e.g. a tie-rod or rods 5 and springs 8, for holding the bases of the pieces 3 together under stress, and means, e.g. bolts 9, for anchoring the pieces 3 to the bottom of the cell with the pieces 3 extending vertically therefrom. The rod or rods 5 pass through eyes or hooks on the bolts 9 which are enclosed by weirs 11 separating them from a fusible metal 10, e.g. Wood's metal, in the bottom of the cell, the pieces 3 resting on projections 4 on the bottom. The parts 9, 11 are accommodated in recesses in the pieces 3. A refractory cement 15 seals the Wood's metal 10, and a surrounding steel cathode 16 and a wire gauze diaphragm 18 are provided. Various modifications are mentioned. Springs 8 may be provided at each end of the rods 5 or the rods 5 may be dispensed with, adjustable resilient devices being interposed between the base of the end-pieces 3 and a wall 2 of the cell, the adjacent pieces 3 being interlocked by dowels. The bolts 9 may be replaced by pins or projections on the cell walls engaging slots or holes in the pieces 3 may have wells with co-operating slots to promote circulation of the electrolyte. A plurality of anode assemblies may be located side by side in a cell, with intervening cathodes.