Patent ID: 7282133

Claim:
A method of protecting inert anode assemblies from thermal shock during operation in a metal producing cell comprising: (1) operating an electrolysis cell having a plurality of inert anode assemblies at over 850° C. in a molten cryolite bath, where all of the anode assemblies are shielded by a circumscribed heat radiation shield that is attached to the inert anode assembly, and wherein the heat radiation shield is spaced from the anodes of the inert anode assembly; (2) withdrawing a shielded anode assembly adjacent to other shielded assemblies thus exposing the other assemblies to lower ambient temperatures; and (3) inserting a new shielded anode assembly adjacent the other shielded anode assemblies; wherein the heat radiation shield does not disintegrate in contact with cryolite fumes, remains intact in place above the molten bath, and prevents a temperature drop within its circumscribed assembly of under about 30° C.