Aluminium production cell design

A method of producing aluminium by the electrolysis of an aluminium compound, in particular alumina, dissolved in a molten electrolyte of an aluminium electrowinning cell that comprises:

• plurality of individual non-carbon anodes or a plurality of groups of non-carbon anodes facing at least one cathode covered by the electrolyte;
• and
• a thermic insulating cover which is placed above the level of the electrolyte to reduce loss and which is provided with openings for feeding the aluminium wherein the thermic insulating cover comprises a plurality of removable sections and each removable section being associated with an individual anode or a group of anodes, each removable section associated with each individual anodes or group of anodes extending sideways so as to fit a corresponding removable section associated with an adjacent individual anode or group of anodes, the insulating cover being removable by sections so that the individual anodes or groups of anodes are separately replaceable or serviceable by removing only the removable sections associated therewith from the insulating cover;
• said method comprising replenishing the aluminium compound consumed during electrolysis by the feeding the aluminium compound to the molten electrolyte through the feeding openings of the insulating cover and electrolysing the fed aluminium compound to produce aluminium.