Inventors:
Donald L. Kinosz - Arnold PA
Subodh K. Das - Apollo PA
Robert L. Coffman - Lower Burrell PA
Assignee:
Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
C25C 306, C25C 304, C25B 1112
Abstract:
A process is provided for producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing aluminum chloride dissolved in a molten solvent of higher decomposition potential. The cell has a terminal anode, a terminal cathode and a bipolar electrode arranged to operate with the anode and the cathode, providing interelectrode spaces therebetween. On electrolyzing the cell chlorine is produced on each anode surface thereof and aluminum on each cathode surface, the aluminum being swept from the cathode surface by bath material. In the process, carbonaceous material is provided for use as the electrode. The direction of grain flow constituting the carbonaceous material is determined and the electrode is arranged in the cell such that the direction of electrolysis current flow through the cell is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of grain flow in the electrode.