Appeal No. 2004-1043
Application No. 09/960,907
cathodes arranged in alternating
relationship;
(c) passing an electric current through
said liner and anodes sand through said
electrolyte to said cathodes, depositing
aluminum on said cathodes, and generating
oxygen bubbles at the anodes, said bubbles
stirring said electrolyte;
(d) periodically reducing electric
current flow to said cell for extended
periods; and
(e) maintaining said electrolyte and
aluminum in said cell in a molten condition
during said extended periods of reduced
current flow by application of heat to said
bottom for purposes of heating said cell.
18. An improved method of producing
aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing
alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the
method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a molten salt electrolyte
at a temperature less than 900ºC having
alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic
cell having a metallic liner which is anodic
for containing said electrolyte, said liner
having a bottom having an outside surface
and having walls extending upwardly from
said bottom, said liner being substantially
inert with respect to said molten
electrolyte;
(b) providing a plurality of non-
consumable anodes and cathodes disposed in
said electrolyte;
(c) passing an electric current through
said liner and anodes and through said
electrolyte to said cathodes, depositing
aluminum on said cathodes, and generating
oxygen bubbles at the anodes, said bubbles
stirring said electrolyte;
(d) removing heat from said cell
through said bottom of said liner by passing
an air sweep from outside said cell over
said outside surface of said bottom to
remove heat from said bottom to provided a
heated air sweep; and
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