Katadyn 8014931 User manual

Vario Water Microfilter
(Model #8014931)
Vario Replacement Cartridge
(Model #8014933)
Replacement Prefilter Disc
(Model #8015035)
Replacement Activated Carbon
(Model #8015036)

Cut of Katadyn Vario
Dual Action Pump - Dual piston
technology provides maximum
output with minimum effort
Multi-Stage Filtration System - A
simple turn engages a ceramic
prefilter for longer life in dirty
water or a pleated glassfiber filter
in normal conditions
Fast Water Flow - Produces up to
2 qt (2 l) per minute in “Faster
Flow” mode and 1 qt (1 l) per
minute in “Longer Life” mode
Carbon Core - Replaceable
carbon keeps water tasting fresh.
Reduces chemicals, odors and
toxins through life of cartridge
Adaptor Base -
Attaches directly
to water bottles
or output hose
can be used to
fill hydration
systems or larger
containers

Detail Pictures Katadyn Vario
A
BE
C
D
F

(1)
Input Barb with Hose
Filter Cartridge with Activated
Carbon Core (Refillable)
Housing
Output Barb
Pump Handle with Pistons
(Figure 1-1)
Pump Head
Ceramic Prefilter Disc
Bottom Cap
with Outlet Port
Pistons with
O-Rings
Cover of Carbon Core
O-Ring
O-Ring
Axis
Opening for Outlet
of Bottom Cap
O-Ring Set
Thank you for choosing a Katadyn water system. The Katadyn Vario
Microfilter meets industry standards for reduction of bacteria
(99.9999% Klebsiella terrigena) and protozoan cysts (99.9% Giardia
and Cryptosporidium). It also reduces chemicals and improves the taste
of water. Its intelligent design combines high efficiency pumping with
ease of use.
Top Cap

(2)
Weight
Strainer
Input hose
Strainer barb
(Figure 2-1)
Intake Prefilter
The prefilter (Figure 2-1) works in still and running water. It consists of two components: a
strainer and a weight.
Note: Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the strainer barb to ease assembly.
The prefilter is important because it prevents large particles (larger than
130 microns) from entering the water system. See Field Performance Tips for helpful hints.
Hydration Bladder Compatible
Your Katadyn Vario allows easy filling of many hydration bladders such as Nalgene,
Camelbak, etc. Turn the bottom cap until the outlet port appears in the opening of the
housing. The outlet port in the bottom cap is designed to fit hydration pack bladder drink
tubes. Remove bite valve from drink tube and insert tube into bottom cap. (Figure 1-1,
Picture C)
Product Set-up
The Vario requires minimal set up. For best results, try the Vario before first field use to
familiarize yourself with its operation.
1) Filter Modes
The Vario is the first microfilter with 2 filter modes: LONGER LIFE and FASTER FLOW.
With LONGER LIFE (initial position) the water flows through a ceramic prefilter disc first
before passing through the glassfiber cartridge. This is the mode to use for longest
cartridge lifespan. If set to FASTER FLOW the water flows directly to the cartridge. This
mode produces higher water flow. For maximum cartridge life, we recommend using
FASTER FLOW only when water is clear. See turbidity chart below:
Hose float
Clear Water Dirty/Murky
Water
5 NTU 50 NTU 500 NTU
LONGER LIFEFASTER FLOW

To change the filter mode, detach pump head by turning and lifting the pumphead from
the filter housing. Next, hold the housing in one hand and turn the ceramic prefilter
unit until the white arrow points to the desired mode. (Picture D) Reattach pump head
and close tight.
Note: The ceramic prefilter can easily be cleaned by brushing with the supplied
cleaning pad.
2) Connect Hoses
Remove the red plastic cap from the input barb; retain for storage. Connect input hose
(with prefilter) to input barb in the middle of the pump head. To use with Nalgene
bottle, remove bottom cap and screw Vario to top of bottle. To use with hydration
bladder, remove bite valve from hydration bladder and connect bladder drink tube to
the outlet port of the bottom cap. To use with output hose, remove the bottom cap and
attach one end of the output hose to the output barb. Push the enclosed bottle clip on
the other end of the output hose. (Figure 1-1, Pictures A, B, C)
3) Flush System
Important: Before first use, flush system by pumping approximately 1 liter of water
through the unit to remove harmless carbon dust. Slightly discolored water is normal
when flushing. See following section on Normal Operation on how to filter water.
Normal Operation
1) Place input hose in untreated water source. Adjust the float to keep prefilter off the
bottom and away from sediment.
2) Remove the bottom cap and retain. Connect a Nalgene Bottle to the bottom of the Vario
filter (Picture A) or attach the output hose to the output barb. (Picture B) Alternatively
connect hose of hydration bladder as described above.* (Picture C)
3) Make sure the hoses are not kinked. Pump the handle in a slow, steady manner.
4) After filling water container with filtered water, unscrew bottle/remove outlet
hose/remove bladder drink tube and remove prefilter from water source. Continue
pumping to remove remaining water from pump body. If applicable, screw bottom cap
back on housing. To protect the inside from dirt, turn outlet port until covered.
5) Store unit in the carry bag. To prevent the possibility of cross contamination, store the
output hose with the clip separately in the resealable bag inside the carry bag.
*Note: Before each use, flush and discard a small amount (5 – 10 strokes) of water to
remove stale taste.
Field Performance Tips
To extend cartridge life, always use the best water source available. Keep
the intake prefilter clean and off the bottom. In heavy sediment conditions, wrap a coffee
filter or bandanna around the intake prefilter. Where possible, place untreated water in
container and wait for sediment to settle out until water appears clear - then filter from water
above the sediment.
(3)

(4)
Maintain your Katadyn water system to keep it operating smoothly.
1) If handle is hard to operate:
Lubricate o-rings of pistons. Silicone lubricant is provided with your new Vario.
Remove axis from top cap by turning it 90° and pushing it out of its position. A coin
can be used to turn the axis. Detach the translucent top cap and put aside. Grasp the
pump handle and lift it upwards until the pistons come out of their position. Clean
excess build-up from black rubber o-rings on pistons. Place a small amount of silicone
lubricant all the way around the o-rings. Re-assemble. Note: When reassembling,
carefully insert pistons, making sure to not pinch o-rings.
2) If unit pumps easily, but low output:
Make sure prefilter is submerged.
Make sure that hoses are not blocked or pinched.
Clean ceramic prefilter. Occasionally high pressure develops inside the pump
head and prevents the filter from operating properly. This can be easily eliminated by
removing the pump head and cleaning the ceramic prefilter with the cleaning pad
provided. Pump slowly to get water started and resume normal pump rate when flow
has begun.
Clogged cartridge. A clogged cartridge requires replacement. As a temporary
solution in the field, remove the cartridge and swish it around in water. See Cartridge
Installation for cartridge removal. Take care that untreated water does not contact the
cartridge output barb.
3) Clean Intake Prefilter: Rinse the strainer in water to remove any particles that may
be caught in the strainer. For a more thorough cleaning, remove the prefilter from the
input hose and clean with water and a soft brush. Reassemble. Apply a small amount
of silicone lubricant to the strainer barb to ease assembly. (Figure 2-1)
For use without the weight. The prefilter is functional with or without the weight
(we recommend using with the weight). To use without the weight, remove the strainer
barb from the input hose. Reassemble without the weight.
4) Storage: Your Katadyn water system comes with a carry bag for storage. To prevent
the possibility of cross contamination, store the output hose with the clip separately in
the resealable bag inside the carry bag.
Long-Term Storage (After Your Trip is Over)
Disinfect your Vario microfilter before storage to prevent microbiological growth within the
pump. Do not use any alcoholic detergents, since it will damage the surface of the filter.
1) Fill a liter container with tap water and add 2 tablets of Katadyn Micropur (if not
available use 2 tablespoons of ordinary household bleach).
2) Place prefilter into solution.
3) Pump entire amount of solution through unit (into sink or container).

(5)
4) Remove prefilter from the solution and continue pumping another 5 to 10 strokes to
remove remaining water from the pump body and hoses.
5) Remove and clean the ceramic prefilter by brushing with the supplied cleaning pad.
Allow to air-dry completely.
6) Remove cartridge and allow to dry.
7) Rinse the black plastic housing and remove any dirt.
8) Lubricate the piston o-rings with silicone lubricant provided.
9) Re-assemble the filter.
10) Wrap hoses around body and store in carry bag.
Note: When removing unit from long-term storage, flush the system with one liter of
water to remove any stale tasting water.
Cartridge Capacity
Cartridge capacity depends on water quality. The Katadyn Vario was tested at 500 gallons
(1875 liters) and found effective for removal of bacteria (Klebsiella terrigena) and
protozoan cysts (Giardia and Cryptosporidium). To extend the life of your cartridge, always
use the Vario filter in LONGER LIFE mode. The cartridge should be replaced after 500
gallons (1875 liters) or when the output becomes too slow.
Replacement Cartridge Installation
Replacement cartridges are available where you purchased your Katadyn Vario.
1) Detach pump head from filter housing. Remove ceramic prefilter and cartridge from
housing by turning and lifting it. Detach ceramic prefilter unit from cartridge. Discard
used cartridge in trash receptacle. Note: If removal of cartridge is difficult, detach
bottom cap first and push on the outlet barb.
2) Rinse inside of Vario housing by swishing with clear water (non-filtered water is ok).
Discard water. Wipe inside of housing with soft cloth to remove sediment.
3) Remove new cartridge from packaging and apply a small amount of silicone lubricant
to cartridge o-ring set before attaching ceramic prefilter unit. Note: A new cartridge is
already filled with activated carbon.
4) Next insert the new cartridge making sure the pointed ridge in the filter housing is
aligned with the triangular notch in the cartridge. Now reinstall the ceramic prefilter
and reattach the pump head. (Picture E)
5) Choose FASTER FLOW or LONGER LIFE mode by turning the ceramic prefilter unit until
the white arrow points to your preferred setting. Note: To extend cartridge life, we
recommend using the Vario in LONGER LIFE mode. (Picture D)
6) Reattach pump head with handle and close tight.
7) Screw bottom cap back on housing. To protect the inside from dirt, turn bottom cap
until outlet port is covered.
8) Flush cartridge by pumping and discarding the first liter of water.

(6)
Refill of Carbon Core
Carbon refill packs are available where you purchased your Katadyn Vario.
1) Follow instruction 1 from Cartridge Installation above. Remove red cover and green
foam underneath to reveal activated carbon.
2) Discard used activated carbon. Use more force if the carbon is wet. Rinse inside of
cartridge with filtered water. Do not remove white filter disc from the bottom of the
cylinder.
3) Open package of new activated carbon and pour into the cartridge. Cover with green
foam and red lid. (Picture F) Note: Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to o-ring
of red cover.
4) Flush unit by pumping 1 liter of water to remove carbon dust.
Activated Carbon Capacity
Activated Carbon capacity depends on water quality. Normal effective lifespan of carbon
is 50 gallons (200 liters). High chemical or odor concentration can reduce the capacity of
the carbon. Replace the carbon when you notice a change in taste or odor after filtering or
after 6 months of constant use - whichever comes first.
When You Travel Abroad, Camp or Backpack…
…you run a risk of illness ranging from the inconvenience and discomfort of diarrhea to
more serious illnesses caused by protozoan cysts (i.e., Giardia, Cryptosporidium), viruses
and bacteria.
The microorganisms that cause these diseases are often found in the food and water you
consume. Lakes, streams and the local water supply may be contaminated.
To minimize the risk of contracting these illnesses, we suggest that you consult with your
physician, state health department or travelers’ clinic 4-6 weeks before you depart.
And while you are traveling…
• Make sure that prepared food is thoroughly cooked.
• Select non-cooked foods (fruits, nuts, etc.) that have intact shells or skins, and
clean your hands before peeling the food.
• Disinfect your hands with soap and water (or Katadyn Klean Hand Sanitizer)
thoroughly and often, especially before you eat. Filter all drinking water with your
Katadyn Vario Water Microfilter.
• If there is any risk of viruses in the water, use an EPA-registered disinfectant such
as Micropur MP1 after filtering.
The Katadyn Vario Microfilter is an essential piece of outdoor equipment. We hope it makes
your outdoor experience more enjoyable. For questions or suggestions, please contact us at
1-800-755-6701.

Product Registration
Please take a moment to register your new Katadyn product by completing the short product
registration form online at www.katadyn.com/productregistration. The information you
provide will enable us to better serve you with products developed to meet your needs and
interests. Register your Katadyn product online and you will be automatically entered into
a drawing to win a free Katadyn product.
Limited Warranty
Your Katadyn Vario Microfilter is warranted for one (1) year from the date of purchase
against defects in materials and workmanship. Should your Katadyn Vario prove defective
within one year from the date of purchase, return it to the Katadyn retailer from whom it
was purchased. If you do not receive a satisfactory resolution, contact Katadyn Consumer
Relations at 1-800-755-6701 for service assistance. Katadyn, at its discretion, will replace
or repair the damaged item. Please retain your purchase receipt as proof of date
purchased. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other legal rights
which vary from state to state.
Contact North America:
Katadyn North America Inc.
6325 Sandburg Road
Minneapolis, MN 55427 / USA
1-800-755-6701
[email protected] / www.katadyn.com
Contact International:
Katadyn Products Inc.
Birkenweg 4
8304 Wallisellen / Switzerland
[email protected] / www.katadyn.ch
(7)
Print No. 8015061/1