ABSTRACT
The current efficiency approaches 0.95; the major part of the loss in efficiency is attributed to hydrogen and fluorine recombination. The energy efficiency of the process is poor (about 0.3). The consequence of this large energy loss is the considerable quantity of heat that must be eliminated. So the industrial cells are fitted with a cooling system in order to operate at constant temperature. The French Comurhex cell uses Monel U tubes suspended through the cover of the cell and immersing in the melt. Cold water is injected into the tubes for cooling the electrolyte. These tubes can also be used as a heating system: steam can be injected for keeping the electrolyte molten when the cell is shut down.
