3 component cathode collector bar

A cathode assembly configured for use in an Hall-Heroult electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum, said assembly comprising:

• a cathode block defining at least two first slots and at least one second slot;
• at least two primary collector bars, each primary collector bar being received in one of said first slots and having a primary interface for electrical connection to said cathode block;
• and
• at least one secondary collector bar being received in said second slot and having a secondary interface for electrical connection to said cathode block, wherein a combination of said at least two primary interfaces is larger than said secondary interface.

A method of producing aluminum in a cell having a chamber containing an electrolytic bath and an anode suspended in the bath, said method comprising:

• providing a cathode assembly in the chamber below the anode, the cathode assembly having (1) a cathode block having an external end, the cathode block defining at least two first slots and at least one second slot;
• (2) at least two primary collector bars, each primary collector bar being received in one of the first slots and having a primary interface for electrical connection to the cathode block and (3) at least one secondary collector bar being received in the second slot and having a secondary interface for electrical connection to the cathode block, wherein a combination of the at least two primary interfaces is larger than the secondary interface;
• and
• passing an electric current from the anode to the cathode assembly, thereby controlling the amount of current passing to the primary collector bars relative to the amount of current passing to the secondary collector bar.