PROCESS FOR THE CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF LITHIUM BY ELECTROLYSIS OF LITHIUM CHLORIDE IN A MOLTEN SALT MIXTURE, AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT SAID PROCESS

摘要

1. Process for the continuous preparation of lithium or of lithium-calcium alloys by electrolysis, at constant bath level, of lithium chloride or of a mixture of lithium chloride and calcium chloride in a mixture of molten salts, with continuous removal by overflow at the surface of the bath of the lithium or the lithium-calcium alloy formed mixed with molten salts and continuous recovery of an undiluted gaseous chlorine formed, the said process being characterized in that : - the electrolysis is performed with a natural circulation of the electrolysis medium between the anode and the cathode without the use of a diaphragm between these ; - the anode is surrounded by the cathode and sheathed with an electrically insulating refractory material on its part rising above the surface of the electrolysis medium and down to below this surface ; and - the removal of the lithium or the lithium-calcium alloy formed mixed with molten salts is performed in the presence of undiluted gaseous chlorine.