Multi-step method of nondestructively measuring a region within an ultra-hard polycrystalline construction

A method for nondestructively obtaining measurement information from within an ultra-hard polycrystalline construction, comprising the steps of:

• conducting a measurement using a device comprising an x-ray source and x-ray fluorescence detector by directing x-ray energy onto a surface of a body of the construction, wherein the body comprises polycrystalline diamond and wherein the body is attached to a metallic substrate, wherein the body includes a first region that is substantially free of a catalyst material used to form the body, and a second region that includes the catalyst material, wherein x-ray fluorescence is emitted from the body, and wherein measurement information is derived from the x-ray fluorescence;
• and
• conducting another measurement of the construction using a nondestructive technique selected from the group consisting of beta backscatter, x-ray radioscopy, eddy current, magnetic induction, and microresistance;
• wherein the measurement information denotes a thickness of a region within the ultra-hard polycrystalline body, or an interface between adjacent regions in the ultra-hard polycrystalline body.

A system for obtaining measurement information from within an ultra-hard polycrystalline constructions comprising:

• an ultra-hard polycrystalline construction comprising a polycrystalline diamond body that is attached to a metallic substrate, the body including a region that is substantially free of a catalyst material used to sinter the body at high pressure-high temperature conditions;
• an x-ray source positioned adjacent the body for producing and transmitting x-ray energy onto body during one step of using the system;
• a proportional counter positioned adjacent the body for receiving x-ray fluorescence emitted by the body from which measurement information is derived;
• and
• a device different from the one used to derive measurement information from x-ray fluorescence to obtain measurement information from the construction during another step of using the system;
• wherein the measurement information denotes a thickness of a region within the ultra-hard polycrystalline body, or an interface between adjacent regions in the ultra-hard polycrystalline body.