Pall PCM400 battery: NiMH wake-up and reconditioning

Is your Pall measuring device no longer starting after a long period of storage? Is its battery no longer holding a charge? A diagnostic can allow for the consideration of a NiMH battery "wake-up" or a pack refurbishment, before replacing the device.

Source’IT has performed a battery wake-up on a Pall PCM400, a device designed for fluid cleanliness monitoring. We present this intervention here along with the possible solutions for a battery that is discharged, aging, or no longer sufficient for your needs.

A Pall PCM400 battery wake-up performed by Source’IT

On the device entrusted to our workshop, the intervention focused on a NiMH battery. Its casing bears the identification “200.213 – PCM400 Battery”, visible in the photos. Source’IT proceeded with its wake-up; the images show the pack, its electronic board, and the device turned on.

This case illustrates a possibility for service. It does not guarantee that another battery can be recovered, nor that it will regain its original capacity. Restarting the device and its runtime are two separate points to be evaluated.

NiMH battery discharged after storage: what does "wake-up" mean?

A NiMH battery discharges gradually even without use. After a long period of inactivity without recharging, its voltage may become insufficient to power the device. Aging, storage temperature, and the condition of the cells influence recovery possibilities.

The term "sleeping battery" describes here a battery that no longer allows for startup after storage; it does not denote a precise diagnostic. A device that remains off may also have an issue with the charger, connector, or electronics.

The wake-up consists of studying a return to service for the existing pack through appropriate handling. It does not repair degraded cells and does not replace a capacity check. We do not promise recovery without having examined the battery.

When to refurbish or change the battery of a Pall device?

If your device works but turns off too quickly, a loss of capacity is possible. When cells are at the end of their life, a simple wake-up is not enough. A refurbishment of the Pall battery can then be studied: worn cells are replaced with new cells compatible with the pack's specifications and charging system.

The term "like new" refers to the replaced cells, not the entire device. The preservation of the casing, electronic board, sensors, and connections depends on their condition. If these components are damaged or if a suitable reconstruction is not possible, a complete replacement of the pack may be necessary.

Which Pall fluid control devices are affected?

The case presented concerns the PCM400. Pall offers several fluid cleanliness monitoring devices, notably the PCM400 and PCM500 series. The visuals below help locate this equipment; they do not mean that their batteries are identical nor that all their models use a NiMH battery.

For another Pall device, please send the exact reference and a legible photo of the battery. We verify the technology, assembly, and possibilities for service before proposing a wake-up, cell change, or replacement.

How to obtain a quote for your Pall battery?

1. Describe your need. Indicate the model, battery reference, symptoms, and the duration it has been out of use.
2. Have the pack identified. Prepare photos of the label, connector, and device. We will specify the items necessary for the diagnostic and the handling procedures.
3. Choose after diagnostic. The proposed solution and the quote take into account the actual condition of the pack and the availability of components.

Pricing and lead times are provided by quote. Contact us before shipping the battery or device in order to agree on terms. The form below allows you to request a study without choosing an intervention in advance that might not be suitable.

Frequently asked questions about Pall batteries

My Pall battery is no longer charging: does it necessarily need to be replaced?

No. A heavily discharged battery, a faulty charger, or a connection in poor condition can produce similar symptoms. A diagnostic makes it possible to determine whether a wake-up is feasible or if the cells need to be replaced.

Does the wake-up make a NiMH battery like new?

No. It aims to return the existing pack to service when its condition permits. A battery can restart while retaining reduced capacity. Refurbishment with new cells is a different intervention.

Can you refurbish the battery if the device still works?

Yes, a study can be relevant if the runtime is no longer sufficient. Feasibility depends on the cells, casing, electronics, and compatibility with the charging system.

Does the intervention include calibration of the device?

The described service concerns the battery. The wake-up or refurbishment does not constitute calibration or metrological validation of the measurement system.

Source’IT is an independent service provider. Pall and product references are cited to identify equipment, with no announced affiliation with the manufacturer. Intervention photos: Source’IT. PCM400 and PCM500 visuals: Pall, source links above. For general NiMH battery behavior: Panasonic technical documentation.