A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium by the electrolysis from an
aluminium compound dissolved in a molten electrolyte (50), comprises: (I)
a plurality of non-carbon anodes (10), each anode being suspended in
operating in the molten electrolyte by an anode stem (11) that connects
the anode (10) to a positive current source; and (II) a thermic
insulating cover (60,60') which covers the electrolyte (50) and through
which each anode stem (11) extends from the positive current source to an
anode (10). The insulating cover (60,60') comprises a plurality of
movable sections (60) that together cover a substantial part of the
electrolyte (50). Each movable section (60) covers a corresponding
portion of the electrolyte (50) that is located therebelow and that can
be uncovered by moving the corresponding movable section (60). The anode
stem (11) of each anode (10) extends through the insulating cover
(60,60') between two movable sections (60) or between a movable section
(60) and a fixed section (60') of the insulating cover (60,60') when the
sections (60) are in a covering position over the electrolyte (50). Each
movable section (60) is movable to uncover the corresponding electrolyte
portion without interrupting operation of any anode (10), for example by
tilting, in particular pivoting, or sliding and/or lifting the section
(60).