NOVELTY - The operating method involves supplying current to two electrodes (120,130) of an electrochemical cell (110) under forward bias in a process cycle, and supplying current to the electrodes under reverse polarity in a regeneration cycle. At least the first electrode comprises a diamond electrode. During the regeneration cycle, a potential is applied to cause the first electrode to act as a cathode and the second electrode to act as an anode, and to electrolyze the electrolyte (150) and generate hydrogen on the diamond surface of the first electrode to regenerate the diamond electrode.    USE - Electrochemical cell operating method for electrolyzing aqueous electrolyte. Can be used in in-situ regeneration of diamond electrodes after anodic oxidation during electrochemical processes.    ADVANTAGE - Performs in situ regeneration of diamonds electrodes without the need to flush the electrochemical cell with strong acids, avoiding the need to remove the electrodes from the electrochemical cell for regeneration. Performs a reverse polarity regeneration cycle that contributes to improved long-term reliability and reduced maintenance. Performs switching between forward polarity and reverse polarity cycles according to a timed maintenance schedule of process cycles and regeneration cycles. Performs the regeneration cycle to reduce the effects of anodic oxidation of a diamond anode after a process cycle. Performs in situ regeneration of the surface conductivity of a diamond electrode after anodic oxidation, which avoids the need for handling of concentrated acids and removing the electrodes from the electrochemical cell for cleaning and reactivation. Performs periodic cycling of the cell between process cycles and short regeneration cycles to allow for prolonged operation of the cell while maintaining preferred operational parameters such as surface conductivity, electrochemical potential, and degree of anodic oxidation. Prolongs the useful lifetime of diamond electrodes, reduces operation costs and reduces down time for maintenance.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - During the process cycle, a potential is applied to cause the first electrode to act as an anode and the second electrode to act as a cathode, and to electrolyze the electrolyte. The process cycle is switched to regeneration cycle after detecting a condition indicative of a threshold level or excessive level of anodic oxidation. The process cycle and regeneration cycle include electrolyzing the same electrolyte. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for the controller used in operating an electrochemical cell for electrolyzing an electrolyte.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows the schematic diagram of an electrochemical system for performing electrochemical processes using diamond electrodes and for implementing in situ regeneration of the diamond electrodes after anodic oxidation using a match or recycle mode.    Electrochemical system (100)    Electrochemical cell (110)    Electrodes (120,130)    Pump (144)    Electrolyte (150)    Controller (160)