Shockproof refractory castable anode assembly

A support assembly for an inert anode system comprising at least one inert anode in contact with a molten salt bath in a metal electrolysis apparatus, where the at least one inert anode is attached to a support system having an outer side subject to attack by gases from the bath, the support system consisting essentially of a 50% to 95% dense castable refractory material having from 2 wt % to 20 wt % of metal fibers dispersed therethrough, where the fibers are from 1 cm to 4 cm long, and where no more than 20 fibers per sq. cm. on average protrude through the outer side of the support system.

An electrolytic reduction cell for the production of aluminum comprising at least one inert anode attached to a castable refractory support where the anodes and support are in contact with a molten salt bath in an electrolysis apparatus, where the support comprises a 50% to 95% dense castable refractory subject to attack by gases from the bath, where the refractory comprises refractory material and from 2 wt. % to 20 wt. % of metal fibers, where the metal fibers are from 1 cm to 4 cm long and have a length to thickness ratio of 500:1 to 20:1.

An electrolytic process for making a metal where an electrolyte reduction cell comprising at least one inert anode is attached to a castable refractory support where the anodes and support contact a molten salt bath in an electrolysis apparatus at up to about 1000° C. and where corrosive gases contact the inert anode and the support, and where metal is deposited from the molten salt bath, where said support comprises a 50% to 95% dense castable refractory subject to attack by gases from the bath, where the refractory comprises refractory material and from 2 wt. % to 20 wt. % of metal fibers, where the metal fibers are from 1 cm to 4 cm long and have a length to thickness ratio of 500:1 to 20:1.