this invention relates to the use of bubble - driven flow to enhance the dissolution and distribution of alumina in an aluminum electrolysis cell operating with inert anodes . by harnessing the driving force of bubbles rising along the sides of a sloped anode to induce circulation in a cell and by using a group of anodes to amplify the effect , alumina distribution can be maintained close to or at saturation without formation of muck / sludge . alumina fed through point feeders at specific locations can be distributed throughout the entire cell rather than sinking to the bottom of the cell below the feed location . for a given circulation pattern , feeder locations can be optimized .