Apparatus and method for electrolysis and inclined electrodes

In 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, said assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and conductive means for electrically connecting said first electrode to said pad along a path of higher conductivity than the electrolyte, the combination with said electrodes and said conductive means comprising:

• means for positioning the electrodes in an inclined and substantially parallel position to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension;
• and
• means for supporting said first electrode from said second electrode such that said first electrode is essentially free from support by said means for containing;
• wherein said means for positioning and said means for supporting consist of a one-piece member comprising an electrically insulating pin adapted to hang said first electrode a specified distance from said second electrode.

A method of electrolysis comprising:

• establishing first and second inclined electrodes in an electrolytic cell having an internal cell surface for containing an electrolyte and a separate liquid pad of molten metal;
• supporting said first electrode essentially free from said internal cell surface;
• adjusting said first electrode and said second electrode against a spacer positioned between said first and second electrodes to form an essentially fixed anode-cathode distance;
• and
• connecting said first electrode electrically with said liquid pad along a path of higher conductivity than said electrolyte.