Systems and methods for molten oxide electrolysis

A metallurgical system comprising:

• a refractory vessel;
• and
• an electrode support assembly, wherein the electrode support assembly comprises:
• a vertically translatable holder, wherein the vertically translatable holder is configured to couple with an electrode and electrically couple the electrode with a power source;
• a mast, wherein the mast comprises a vertical track,
• a trolley moveably coupled with the vertical track, and
• a truss coupling the vertically translatable holder with the trolley.

A metallurgical system comprising:

• a refractory vessel having a base, wherein the base defines a plurality of apertures centrally located within the base, wherein the refractory vessel comprises at least two layers of material, wherein an exterior layer comprises an insulating material, and wherein an interior layer comprises a material configured to be compatible with an electrolyte contained within an interior volume of the refractory vessel;
• a current collector proximate the base of the refractory vessel, wherein the current collector includes conductive extensions positioned within the plurality of apertures centrally located within the base;
• a lid removably coupled with the refractory vessel and configured to form a seal with the refractory vessel, wherein the lid defines a plurality of apertures through the lid, and wherein a first aperture of the plurality of apertures comprises an exhaust port;
• an electrode support assembly;
• and
• an exhaust system coupled with the exhaust port of the lid, wherein the exhaust system is configured to oxidize effluents received from the refractory vessel.