FUSED CHLORIDE SALT ELECTROLYSIS CELL

The present invention provides an improved electrolytic cell for the production of chlorine and sodium or lithium from fused chloride electrolytes. In one embodiment, the cell contains a product collector with a compartment (9) for collecting the chlorine from each anode and a compartment (8) for collecting the sodium or lithium from the cathode(s), the collector comprising a hydraulically permeable collection assembly extending below the top level of the cathode and containing impact surfaces which coalesce a portion of the sodium or lithium droplets in the electrolyte. In a second embodiment, the cell contains a diaphragm assembly between the anode and cathode comprising two adjacent hydraulically permeable structures, each hydraulically permeable structure containing a plurality of impact surfaces and openings angled upwards away from the nearest section of the adjacent hydraulically permeable structure. In a third embodiment, the cell contains graphite anode(s) wherein at least 10 % of the average anode cross-sectional area is replaced with a material with lower heat conductivity than graphite in that portion of the anode where it enters the cell.