Patent ID: 6337008
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: C25C

Abstract:
An electrolysis cell for recovery of a metal by electrolysis from a molten electrolyte containing a metal compound, wherein the molten metal has a density lower than the molten electrolyte and the compound produces a gas during electrolysis that reacts on contact with the molten metal, the cell having a housing containing a plurality of electrode assemblies each including an anode, a cathode and at least one interpolar electrode disposed between said anode and said cathode so as to form interpolar spaces in which electrolysis occurs, and connections for conveying electrical current to and from said electrode assemblies; wherein each electrode assembly is provided with a hood enclosing an upper portion of the electrode assembly including the cathode of said assembly, such that the hood in operation provides a gas collection chamber such that said gas generated by each said electrode assembly is isolated from other electrode assemblies and from metal collecting in said housing outside each said hood.