Method for repairing an electrode assembly

A method of repairing a used electrode device comprising:

• providing a used electrode assembly having:
• an inner conductor with an integral electrode tip;
• the inner conductor being encapsulated in an insulator body having an outer conductor and an outer electrode tip;
• and
• an outer sleeve attached to the insulator body, the sleeve being filled with a particle suspended fluid and the sleeve being retained by a metal ring at the location of attachment to the insulator body prior to removing the inner conductor from the insulator body;
• placing the electrode assembly in a fixture with a collet holding the metal ring in place;
• pushing on the sleeve to release the ring;
• pressing the inner conductor with the integral electrode tip while holding or restraining the insulator body to apply a force sufficient to disengage the inner conductor from the insulator body;
• and
• removing the electrode assembly from the fixture and separating the sleeve from the insulator body.