DRAINED CATHODE ELECTROLYSIS CELL FOR PRODUCTION OF RARE EARTH METALS

摘要

An electrolytic cell for production of rare earth metals is described. The electrolytic cell includes a cell housing; a cathodic structure configured to define a channel, the channel having one end elevated in respect to an opposing lower end; one or more anodes having a lower anodic surface suspended within the cell housing, wherein the anodes are configured in longitudinal alignment above the cathodic structure in an arrangement whereby respective lower surfaces of the anodes are spaced from and substantially parallel to said upper surface of the cathodic structure along the length of the channel; and a sump for receiving molten rare earth metals from the channel, wherein the sump is spaced apart and isolated from the cathodic structure and the one or more anodes.