Flerpolet celle for utvinning av et metall ved elektrolyse av en smeltet elektrolytt

PCT No. PCT/CA95/00227 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 13, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 13, 1998 PCT Filed Apr. 21, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/33297 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 24, 1996An electrolytic cell for the recovery of metal from a molten electrolyte and an electrode assembly for use in such a cell. The cell (10) comprises an electrode assembly consisting of an anode (17), a cathode (19) and one or more bipolar electrodes (18) disposed between the anode and the cathode so as to form interpolar spaces (16) in which electrolysis occurs. In the electrode assembly, the bipolar electrode (if there is only one) or the innermost bipolar electrode (if there are more than one) substantially surrounds the anode and forms a single mechanical and electrical entity. The cathode in turn preferably substantially surrounds the one or more bipolar electrodes. The electrode assembly comprising the cathode and bipolar electrode(s) is preferably unitary, forming an electrode cassette that can be assembled outside a cell and then introduced into, or withdrawn from, the cell as a single self-supporting unit. Structures of this kind simplify cell fabrication and may lead to cells that operate with improved efficiency.