Abstract
Most laboratory cells used in the investigation of the alumina reduction process use a single anode. When investigating the initiation of the anode effect an approach with more than one anode might give better results, as the probability of obtaining partial anode effect is higher. Additionally, the design is closer to the industrial, where several anodes are connected in parallel. The system constructed consisted of two anodes in separate electrolyte compartments connected in parallel with a single combined cathode. The results indicate that an anode can go in and out of partial anode effect with little influence on the current, although, kept untreated a full anode effect is likely imminent. The results also show that under certain current and alumina conditions, with only two anodes in parallel, an anode can handle approximately the whole load of a fully passivated anode for a certain time.