Apparatus and method for electrolysis and float

An electrode assembly for providing an anode and a cathode for an electrolytic cell, said cell including means having an internal surface for containing an electrolyte and a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than said electrolyte, comprising:

• a first electrode having anodic surface;
• a second electrode having a cathodic surface;
• conductive means for electrically connecting said first electrode to said pad along a path of higher conductivity than the electrolyte;
• spacer means of electrically insulating material for positioning said anodic surface a specified anode-cathode distance from said cathodic surface;
• and
• a float for supporting said second electrode essentially free from support by said internal surface of said means for containing, said float being adapted to hold said electrodes against said spacer to form an inter-electrode zone of essentially fixed anode-cathode distance.

A method of electrolysis, comprising:

• establishing a first and second electrode of a cell having an internal surface for containing an electrolyte and a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than said electrolyte;
• positioning said first electrode a specified anode-cathode distance from said second electrode by a spacer of electrically insulating material positioned between the electrodes;
• floating said electrodes essentially free from support by said internal surface of the cell against said spacer positioned between said electrodes to form an inter-electrode zone for containing said electrolyte;
• and
• connecting one electrode electrically with said pad along a path of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.

An electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum from an electrolyte of alumina dissolved said cell including means having an internal in cryolite, said cell including means having an internal surface for containing said electrolyte and a molten pad of aluminum, comprising:

• a first terminal electrode having an anodic surface essentially inert to oxygen;
• a second terminal electrode having a cathodic surface essentially inert to aluminum and having means for electrically connecting said cathodic surface to said aluminum pad along a path of higher conductivity than the electrolyte;
• at least one bipolar electrode positioned between said first and second terminal electrodes and having an anodic surface and a cathodic surface;
• a spacer of electrically insulating material for positioning one of said anodic surface a specified anode-cathode distance less than about 2.4 centimeters from one said cathodic surface;
• a float for supporting said second terminal electrode and said bipolar electrode essentially free from support by said internal surface of said means for containing, said float being adapted to hold said electrodes against said spacer to form an inter-electrode zone of essentially fixed anode-cathode distance;
• downwardly extending appendages on said second terminal electrode for contacting said float means;
• and
• an internal cell floor in said containing means and vertical guides positioned in said floor to retain said second terminal electrode essentially beneath said bipolar electrode.