Magnesium graphite-suspended

After the water is evaporated, the solid magnesium chloride is melted (m.p. 708°C) in a large steel electrolysis cell that holds as much as 10 tons of the molten salt. The steel in the cell acts as the cathode during electrolysis, with graphite anodes suspended from the top. The cell reaction is... 

The cell is made of steel with cathodes welded to the tub-like container. The cylindrical graphite anodes are independently suspended and inserted through the cell s refractory covers. This arrangement allows adjustment of the anode-cathode gap as the graphite oxidizes in the aqueous medium. The magnesium collects in its chamber in front of the cell and is periodically withdrawn for further processing. 

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