FIELD: nonferrous metallurgy, in particular, production of aluminum by electrolysis of cryolite-alumina melts; technique of putting electrolyzer into operation. SUBSTANCE: determined during heating and putting aluminum electrolyzer into operation is maximum steady voltage across electrolyzer for a period of 0.6-0.2 h after energizing the electrolyzer bottom of which is heated up to 650-940 C for 36-46 h with subsequent change over to electrolysis for 24-36 h without filling of liquid electrolyte. Temperature of cathode side is maintained within the temperature of electrolyte melting. In this case, voltage of electrolyzer is increased by 0.05-0.5 V up to appearance of variation amplitude of 0.3-0.7 V with a time delay to reduce the amplitude by 30-80% with respect to its initial value. Upon attaining the starting voltage, electrolysis is carried out without anode effects for the first 5-30 days. Prior to installation of anode assembly, aluminum carbide and solid electrolyte are removed from the anode lower boundary. EFFECT: enlarged service life of electrolyzer, its output and reduced power consumption, labor input and consumption of raw materials. 3 cl, 1 tbl
