Abstract In an electrolytic cell employing a flowing molten metal cathode, a means to adjust the level between the anodes and molten metal cathode is provided comprising a refractory block capable of being raised and lowered within the cathode metal so as to displace the same and adjust the level of the molten metal. Such a means is most suitable for making minor adjustments in a level of the cathode metal. For greater adjustments a compartment or chamber is provided for storing a quantity of cathode metal, the compartment or chamber communicating directly with the cathode metal in the electrolytic cell. A pressure of inert gas is maintained above the metal in this compartment or chamber to be varied at will to cause cathode metal to flow to or from the cell to maintain the desired level.
Inventors
👤 George G Day
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-08 02:49
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25C; C25C7/00; C25C7/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
17 words
The horizontal electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein said displacement block is composed of a refractory material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
28 words
The horizontal electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein said means to raise and lower said displacement block comprises a screwed-type means manually operated from exterior the electrolytic cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
171 words
In a horizontal electrolytic cell comprising a substantially horizontal bottom surface, sidewalls, current-carrying cover, anodes in spaced relationship and connected to said cover to receive electric current therefrom, said bottom surface adapted to support an inorganic salt electrolyte floating on a molten metal cathode, the electrolyte being in contact with the anodes so that electric current passes through said electrolyte to said anode, the improvement which comprises means to adjust the level of the cathode metal in said electrolytic cell comprising an exterior compartment for storing a quantity of cathode metal less than the volume of said exterior compartment so as to create a space above said cathode metal in said exterior compartment filled with a gas which inert to the electrolytic process and communicating with the cathode metal in said electrolytic cell, and means communicating with said space above said cathode metal in said exterior compartment to vary the pressure of said inert gas to thereby vary the level of the cathode metal in said electrolytic cell and exterior compartment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The horizontal electrolytic cell of claim 4 wherein the pressure of the inert gas is varied by alternative engagement with a means to supply further inert gas and means to withdraw the same from said exterior compartment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The horizontal electrolytic cell of claim 4 wherein said inert gas is nitrogen.