Cathode current collector for a hall-heroult cell

A cathode current collector assembly assembled in a carbon cathode of a Hall-Heroult cell for the production of aluminium, the cathode current collector assembly comprising at least one collector bar of a highly electrically conductive metal that is located under the carbon cathode, the highly-electrically conductive metal having an electrical conductivity greater than that of steel, characterized in that

• the or each highly electrically conductive metal collector bar comprises a central part located under a central part of the carbon cathode, said central part of the highly electrically conductive metal collector bar having at least an upper outer surface in direct electrical contact with the carbon cathode or in contact with the carbon cathode through an electrically conductive interface formed by an electrically conductive glue and/or an electrically conductive flexible foil or sheet applied over the surface of the highly electrically conductive metal collector bar;
• the or each highly electrically conductive metal collector bar comprises one or two outer parts located adjacent to and on one side or on both sides of said central part and a terminal end part or parts extending outwardly from said outer part(s), and
• said terminal end part(s) of the or each highly electrically conductive metal collector bar is/are electrically connected in series each to a steel conductor bar of greater cross-sectional area than the highly electrically conductive metal collector bar, said steel conductor bar(s) extending outwardly for connection to an external current supply.