Katadyn BeFree User manual

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short product registration form online at www.katadyn.com. The information you
provide will enable us to better serve you with products developed to meet your
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Katadyn, Optimus and our dehydrated food brands (see our website for more
details).
E) How to get service
To receive coverage under this warranty, please return your Katadyn BeFree™
to the retailer where you purchased the product for repair, replacement or
refund. If you are not completely satisfied with the service you receive from
your retailer, or if you have any questions regarding this warranty, please
contact Katadyn Customer Service by telephone, email or in writing at:
Katadyn North America, Inc.
Customer Service
4830 Azelia Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55429 | USA
Tel [phone]
[email protected]
F) How state law applies
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY on Katadyn BeFree™
A) What is covered
Your Katadyn BeFree™ is warranted to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship.
B) How long warranty coverage lasts
This warranty lasts two years from the date of purchase of your Katadyn
BeFree™.
C) What Katadyn will do
In the event of a defect in material or workmanship within the two-year
warranty period, Katadyn will either repair, replace or refund the purchase
price of your Katadyn BeFree™, at Katadyn’s sole discretion.
D) What is not covered
This warranty does not cover any damage caused by product misuse, abuse
or failure to follow instructions provided herein for proper use, maintenance,
cleaning or storage. This warranty also does not cover, and expressly
excludes coverage for, any incidental or consequential damages arising out
of the purchase, use or performance of the product. Some state laws do not
allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
Disinfect your Katadyn BeFree™ before storage to prevent microbiological
growth within the EZ-Clean Membrane™.
A) Fill a container with filtered or treated water and add 1 Micropur Tablet.
(If not available, use 4 drops of ordinary household bleach.)
B) Pour the solution into the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™. Close the system
by screwing the cap (with EZ-Clean Membrane™) clockwise.
C) Squeeze the entire amount of water through the EZ Clean Membrane™.
D) Allow the components to air dry completely before reassembling the
system.
Note: When removing the Katadyn BeFree™ from long-term storage, flush the
system with 2 liters of filtered or treated water to remove any stale tasting water.
The life span of the EZ-Clean Membrane™ depends on water quality. To
extend life of your EZ-Clean Membrane™, clean it regularly. For optimum filter
performance replace the EZ-Clean Membrane™ after 1000 liters or 264 gallons
or if water flow has slowed or stopped (review Performance Tips to ensure best
product performance).
Replacement EZ-Clean Membrane™ Installation
Katadyn BeFree™ Replacement EZ-Clean Membranes™ are available from the
dealer where you purchased your Katadyn BeFree™.
To replace your EZ-Clean Membrane™ twist cap in a counter-clockwise motion
and remove the EZ-Clean Membrane™ from the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™. Install
new EZ-Clean Membrane™ by screwing it into the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™ in a
clockwise motion.
FILTER CARTRIDGE CAPACITY & REPLACEMENT
LONG TERM STORAGE
(AFTER YOUR TRIP IS OVER)
If Shake or Swish fail to restore water flow, replace EZ-Clean Membrane™.
-> On extended trips, bring along an EZ-Clean Membrane™ Replacement.
D) Trapped air in the EZ-Clean Membrane™ may also reduce flow rates.
Fill the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™ with a small amount of fresh water, close
the system and the cap of the drink nozzle, shake the system, open the cap
again and squeeze the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™ until the air goes through the
EZ-Clean Membrane™.
PERFORMANCE TIPS
(CONTINUED)
PERFORMANCE TIPS
(CONTINUED)
C) If water flow is slow, or the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™ becomes harder to
squeeze, use ONE of the EZ Clean steps (Shake, Swish) printed on the outside
of the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™:
Shake
Fill the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™ with fresh water & shake to easily clean the EZ-
Clean Membrane™ in the field
-OR-
Swish
Remove the filter and swish in any fresh water source to clean in the field (Note:
DO NOT allow the drink nozzle and top of the filter to contact contaminated
water sources).
Shake Swish
IMPORTANT: Do not rinse the EZ-Clean Membrane™ horizontally under
running water. (See WARNING section)
PERFORMANCE TIPS
To extend the life of your EZ-Clean Membrane™, always use the best available
fresh water source. Avoid still water or water in areas of heavy human or
animal use.
Maintain your Katadyn BeFree™ to keep it operating properly.
A) If the Katadyn BeFree™ leaks near the cap
Unscrew the filter and screw it back on. Make sure that you position the filter
straight on the thread of the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™ and tighten it firmly.
B) If the Katadyn BeFree™ is dropped hard, check the hollow fibers visually and
perform the filter integrity test to make sure the fibers are ok.
IMPORTANT: Do not touch the hollow fibers with a tool or with your
fingers. (See WARNING section)
Filter Integrity Test
If you suspect that your Katadyn BeFree™ may have been damaged in
some way, you can perform this quick and easy integrity test in the field.
1. Squeeze fresh water through the Katadyn BeFree™
IMPORTANT: The integrity test only works with a wet EZ-Clean
Membrane™.
2. Try to blow air - using your mouth - through the drink nozzle into the
Hydrapak®SoftFlask™.
-> cannot blow through filter = fiber ok
-> can blow through filter = fiber broken
Stop: DO NOT USE FILTER! Replace EZ-Clean Membrane™
Congratulations on your purchase of the Katadyn BeFree™. When used properly
in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual, this product is
designed to reduce the levels of bacteria and protozoan cysts commonly found in
fresh water sources to make it safer for drinking. It meets the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s microbiological water purifier standards for reduction of
bacteria (99.9999% Klebsiella terrigena) and protozoan cysts (99.9% Giardia
and Cryptosporidium). It is ideal for hiking, camping in the wilderness or
traveling in areas where treated water is unavailable.
Water definitions as used in this manual
Fresh water = Untreated water (Lakes, Rivers, Streams, etc.)
Filtered fresh water = Potable drinking water
Treated water = Treated tap water or chemically disinfected water, or boiled
disinfected water
INTENDED USE OF THE Katadyn BeFree™
Katadyn BeFree™
Water Filtration System™
0.6L, 1.0L, 3.0L
Log on to our website to learn more about our full line of products including
Katadyn, Optimus Stoves and AlpineAire Foods.
www.katadyn.com
www.optimusstoves.com
www.alpineaire.com
www.spectrawatermakers.com
Katadyn North America, Inc.
4830 Azelia Ave North #300 I Minneapolis, MN 55429 I USA
Tel [phone]
[email protected]
Print No. 8019729/2
PRODUCT REGISTRATION & SPECIFICATIONSKatadyn BeFree™ LIMITED WARRANTY
(CONTINUED)
Katadyn BeFree™ LIMITED WARRANTY
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Flow Rate: Up to 2L of water per minute
Filter Capacity: Up to 1,000 l, depending on water quality
Weight: Katadyn BeFreeTM 0.6L: 59 g / 2 oz
Katadyn BeFreeTM 1.0L: 63 g / 2.3 oz
Katadyn BeFreeTM 3.0L: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Dimensions: Katadyn BeFreeTM 0.6L:
8.0 x 6.5 x 27.5 cm / 3.1 x 2.5 x 10.8 in
Katadyn BeFreeTM 1.0L:
8.0 x 6.5 x 26.5 cm / 3.1 x 2.5 x 10.4 in
Katadyn BeFreeTM 3.0L:
23 x 7.5 x 44.7 cm / 9.0 x 2.9 x 17.6 in

Using the Katadyn BeFree™ improperly or drinking untreated water can result in
exposure to harmful microorganisms and an increased risk of diseases. Reduce
your risk of becoming sick by following the warnings and instructions in this
manual and by educating yourself on backcountry/travel illness prevention.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND THOSE IN YOUR
GROUP. PLEASE USE GOOD JUDGEMENT.
Improper use of the Katadyn BeFree™ or use of a damaged or contaminated
EZ-Clean Membrane™ expose you to harmful microorganisms and increase
your risk of contracting a gastrointestinal illness. Read this entire manual before
assembling or using the Katadyn BeFree™ and follow all instructions carefully. If
you have any questions, contact Katadyn North America at 1-800-755-6701 or
email us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.katadyn.com
- The Katadyn BeFree™ does not remove viruses.
- Never use the Katadyn BeFree™ to filter seawater or brackish water or
chemically contaminated water, such as water from mine tailing ponds or
near large agricultural operations. The Katadyn BeFree™ does not make
drinkable water from these sources and does not remove chemicals and
radioactive materials or particles smaller than 0.1 microns.
- Do not use in freezing conditions (a frozen EZ-Clean Membrane™ could lead
to microorganism bypass, resulting in illness)
- Improper threading of cap to the Hydrapak®SoftFlask™ could cause fluid
leakage and result in illness.
- Do not hold or squeeze the EZ-Clean MembraneTM with your hand while
opening or closing the Katadyn BeFreeTM (as showing in the diagram on the
next page). Carefully hold the top part of the flask when opening or closing
the Katadyn BeFreeTM, allowing the EZ-Clean MembraneTM to rotate freely
inside the flask. Holding or squeezing the EZ-Clean MembraneTM while
opening or closing the Katadyn BeFreeTM could result in damage or breakage
to the filter membrane, thus compromising/damaging the filter (which could
allow harmful microorganisms to bypass the filter, leading to illness).
(1) Hydrapak®SoftFlask™
(2) Drink nozzle
(3) EZ-Clean Membrane™ (hollow fiber)
Figure (1) Key Components
Open the system by holding the top of the Hydrapak®Soft Flask™ and
unscrew the EZ-Clean Membrane™ counter-clockwise (blue ring) (see figure 3).
Close the system by screwing filter clockwise onto the Hydrapak®Soft Flask™
ensuring a proper thread seal and avoiding cross-threading which could lead
to bypass, ensuring a tight seal (see figure 5)
Squeeze the Hydrapak®Soft Flask™ smoothly or drink directly from the drink
nozzle (For best performance invert and lightly squeeze the Hydrapak®Soft
Flask™ - see figure 6).
Enjoy the filtered fresh water from your Katadyn BeFree™!
Fill the Hydrapak®Soft Flask™ with fresh water (not salt or brackish water)
from the best water source available (such as clear lakes, rivers or streams or
faucets or fountains) (see figure 4).
The Katadyn BeFree™ requires minimal setup. For best results, try out the
product before first use and familiarize yourself with its operation.
Remove the two tamper evident closures of the drink nozzle (see figure 2):
Figure (2) Removing tamper evident closures
Flush system by running filtered or treated water through the EZ-Clean
Membrane™ (hollow fiber) to remove harmless particles and dust. See following
section on Normal Operation on how to filter water. Figure (3) Opening Figure (4) Filling Figure (5) Closing
Figure (6) Drinking
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGEWARNINGS WARNINGS
(CONTINUED)
Read before using Katadyn BeFree™
When you travel abroad, camp or backpack, you run the 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, rivers, streams and the local water supply may also be contaminated.
To minimize the risk of contracting these illnesses, we suggest that you consult
with your physician, state health department or travel clinic 4-6 weeks before
you depart.
And while you are traveling, make sure that prepared food is thoroughly cooked
according to its specified instructions. Select non-cooked foods (fruits, nuts, etc.)
that have intact shells or skins, and always sanitize your hands properly before
peeling the food. Wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly and
often (and use hand sanitizer), especially before you eat or prepare food. Also,
in groups encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently. Microorganisms
can spread to communal gear from one group member not sanitizing their
hands properly. Do not share personal items (i.e. lip balm, eating utensils,
toothbrushes, water bottles or bite-valves on hydration bladders). Make sure all
food is properly prepared and thoroughly cooked. Filter all drinking water with
your Katadyn BeFree™, including water used for brushing teeth, washing your
face, etc. according to the instructions in this manual.
If there is any risk of viruses in the water, use an EPA-registered disinfectant such
as Katadyn Micropur Tablets in combination with the Katadyn BeFree™ (Note:
Follow all instructions for proper use of Micropur and wait the appropriate
treatment time) or boil your water (must bring to a rolling boil for approx. 1
minute) (Note: The Katadyn BeFree™ does not remove viruses).
KEY COMPONENTS IN SYSTEM
NORMAL OPERATION NORMAL OPERATION
(CONTINUED)
NORMAL OPERATION
(CONTINUED)
NORMAL OPERATION
(CONTINUED)
PRODUCT SETUP
- If the Katadyn BeFree™ has been dropped into a fresh water source, follow
instructions for long term storage to completely disinfect filter before use. If
the Katadyn BeFree™ is damaged or contaminated, do not use.
- Do not allow fresh water to contaminate the output parts (drink nozzle, filter
output).
- To minimize risk, when filtering water, do not splash dirty or fresh water on
the drink nozzle and do not share the drink nozzle with others (Note: Illness
can be spread by sharing drink nozzle with other people)
- Do not filter any substance or liquid other than fresh water through your
Katadyn BeFree™ or the EZ-Clean Membrane™ may become damaged or
contaminated.
- Before long term storage, disinfect the EZ-Clean Membrane™ thoroughly to
prevent growth of mold, mildew and bacteria which could cause illness (see
Long Term Storage)
- Do not use dishwasher or microwave to disinfect the EZ-Clean Membrane™
or the drink nozzle. Doing so will damage or melt the parts from high heat.
The Hydrapak®Soft Flask™ can be put in the dishwasher on the top rack.
- Always seek the best fresh water source available.
- Always handle the Katadyn BeFree™ filter carefully.
- Extend your filter’s lifespan by using one of the following EZ Clean options:
SHAKE or SWISH every 5 liters (see Performance Tips).
- On extended trips, bring along a Katadyn Replacement EZ-Clean
Membrane™.
- READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW ALL instructions and warnings in this
manual before using the Katadyn BeFree™. Failure to follow all warnings
and instructions may result in exposure to harmful microorganisms and
illness.
IMPORTANT: Wipe off the fresh water from the outside of the Hydrapak®
Soft Flask™ before drinking.
1 2 3
WARNINGS
(CONTINUED)
A) C) D)
E)
B)
Do not hold or squeeze the EZ-Clean Membrane™ with your hand while
opening or closing the Katadyn BeFree™
Do not rinse the EZ-Clean
Membrane™ horizontally
under running water –
doing so may destroy the
hollow fibers
Do not touch the hollow fibers with a
tool or with your fingers.