Abstract: A method is disclosed for leaching a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutter element. In an embodiment, the method includes suspending the PCD cutter element above a liquid acid bath. In addition, the method includes elevating the temperature of the liquid acid bath above ambient conditions to transition at least some of the liquid acid bath to acid vapors. Further, the method includes elevating the pressure of the acid vapors above ambient conditions. Still further, the method includes exposing the PCD cutter element to the acid vapors.

Abstract: A system for leaching a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutter element having a PCD table and a substrate, the system including a housing having an open first end and a closed second end and a lid removably and sealingly attached the first end of the housing. The housing and the lid define an inner chamber extending between the first end and the second end, and the inner chamber is configured to receive and hold a volume of liquid acid therein. In addition, the system includes a cutter element holder disposed within the inner chamber, wherein the PCD cutter element is suspended above the volume of liquid acid in the inner chamber with the holder.