METHOD OF ELECTROCHEMICAL RECUPERATION OF DIAMONDS Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: electrochemical recuperation of diamonds and other superhard materials from used and defective tools, drill bits in particular. SUBSTANCE: proposed method is based on principle of anodic dissolution of metal of diamond tool matrix in electrolyte solution at periodic passage of pulse of reverse polarity bipolar current. Duration of pulse is equal to 0.1 to 0.2 of duration of current period in mains. Duration of electrochemical recuperation "t" is found from the following formula: where D₁ and D₂ are outer and inner diameters of diamond tool, respectively; h is height of bare diamond; K is coefficient taking into account effect of periodic change of current on duration of recuperation (K= 0.6 to 0.9):β is proportionality factor (β = 0,1-1,4); J is current intensity. EFFECT: increased rate of anodic dissolution under conditions of metal passivation; reduced power requirements. 2 dwg, 1 tbl