As 2025’s geothermal energy boom unfolds, “leached (cobalt-removed)” technology tops industry search trends, driven by demand for high-temperature, wear-resistant drilling tools. Wuhan Ninestones Superabrasives Co., Ltd., a PDC cutter pioneer, reshapes geothermal extraction with advanced leached technology, and the MR1613A6 Diamond Ridge Tooth stands as a deep-drilling game-changer.
Deep geothermal projects like EGS and hot dry rock demand tools to withstand 150–200°C downhole temperatures. Traditional PDC cutters use cobalt as a catalyst, which accelerates diamond graphitization under heat, causing thermal degradation and frequent failures. Wuhan Ninestones’ leached process precisely removes cobalt from the diamond layer, solving this core issue.
The company’s proprietary pressurized chemical precipitation method uses a composite reagent system (HCl, sulfuric acid, Lewis acid) at 160°C and 0.8MPa, achieving over 580μm cobalt removal in 72 hours. This eliminates cobalt-driven graphitization and reduces thermal expansion mismatch, boosting thermal stability drastically.
Integrating this tech, the MR1613A6 Diamond Ridge Tooth endures up to 1200°C—far exceeding conventional PDCs’ 750°C limit. Field tests in Utah’s 187°C geothermal well showed it operated stably for 120+ hours, vs. 45 hours for traditional cutters, cutting tripping frequency and lifting efficiency by 30%.
The MR1613A6 Diamond Ridge Tooth’s unique ridge structure concentrates cutting force for better rock-breaking, while the leached diamond layer retains integrity under high heat and impact. Ideal for alternating soft-hard geothermal formations, it minimizes chipping, extending drill bit life. Rigorous QC (VTL wear tests, impact analyses) ensures consistent performance.
Aligned with the $31B global geothermal equipment market forecast for 2025, and supported by policies in the U.S. and 15+ EGS pilot countries, Wuhan Ninestones’ leached tech meets large-scale development needs while cutting carbon footprints.
Experts note this breakthrough lowers deep geothermal barriers. The MR1613A6 Diamond Ridge Tooth’s extreme-temperature reliability underpins commercialization, promising cost reductions that elevate geothermal to a base-load clean energy source. With 30 patents and CIPPE participation, Wuhan Ninestones plans to optimize the MR1613A6 Diamond Ridge Tooth and expand its applications.
In 2025’s geothermal surge, Wuhan Ninestones’ leached PDC tech drives efficiency. The MR1613A6 Diamond Ridge Tooth’s unmatched heat and wear resistance empowers stable, efficient drilling, fueling the global clean energy transition as the company leads PDC innovation for sustainable energy growth.
Post time: Dec-23-2025
