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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 at +41 44 839 21 11 or email us at
- 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 the cap to the water bag could cause fluid leakage
and result in illness.
- Do not hold or squeeze the EZ-Clean Membrane
TM
with your hand while
opening or closing the Katadyn BeFree (as showing in the diagram on the
next page). Carefully hold the thread of the flask when opening or closing the
Katadyn BeFree, allowing the EZ-Clean Membrane
TM
to rotate freely inside
the bag. Holding or squeezing the EZ-Clean Membrane
TM
while opening
or closing the Katadyn BeFree 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).
Ensure filter cartridge is properly tightened into the water bag (see figure 2).
Fill bag with water using a separate container. If a separate container is
not available, open bag and fill directly from water source. Do not allow
contaminated water to contact outlet connection or end of outlet hose. (see
figure 4)
Elevate water bag in convenient
location. For best flow, position
the filter in an upright position
and hang from the highest
possible location.(see figure 6).
Close the on/off output hose
clamp. Connect the output hose
to the female quick connect at
the filter cap (this will initiate
water flow into the output hose).
Open on/off output hose clamp
to begin water flow. Close on/off
output hose clamp to stop water
flow. Ensure on/off output hose
clamp is in wide open position
(not pinching hose whatsoever)
while filtering to ensure maximum
flow rate.
After filtration attach the output
hose to the adapter ring to avoid
contact of the hose outlet with the
ground (see figures 7).
Remove output house from the cap by disconnecting the quick connection
system. As long as the output hose is not attached to the filter cap, the
integrated quick connection valve is closed, turning off the water flow. Once
output hose is reconnected, the quick connect valve will be opened and water
will begin flowing. (see figure 3).
The Katadyn BeFree requires minimal setup. For best results, try out the product
before first use and familiarize yourself with its operation.
1. Assemble the Katadyn BeFree as shown in figure 1.
2. 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)
Figure (4)
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGEWARNINGS WARNINGS (continued) 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 (female quick
connect and top of the EZ-Clean Membrane
TM
).
- To minimize risk, when filtering water, do not splash dirty or fresh water on
the filter cap. Do not drink directly from the output hose.
- Dry off outside of the water bag and output hose to avoid fresh
water running down bag/hose into your water container.
- 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 filter cap. Doing so will damage or melt the parts from high heat.
- 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 5-10 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: To minimize the risk of illness, dry off outside of bag and
outlet hose to prevent untreated water from running down bag/hose and
into your water container. Improper use of filter can lead to contamination
and illness. To minimize risk, when filtering water, do not splash dirty or
unfiltered water into clean container and follow all of the instructions in
this manual.
WARNINGS (continued)
A)
C)
E)
F)
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.
Figure (1) Key Components
Figure (6)
IMPORTANT: Do not hold or squeeze the EZ-Clean Membrane™ with your
hand while opening or closing the Katadyn BeFree
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 MP1 Purification Tablets, Micropur Forte or Micropur
Quick (outside USA/Canada), 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).
NORMAL OPERATION (continued)
Figure (5)
Close bag by folding ends. Dry bag and outlet connector with clean cloth.
(see figure 5).
D)
G)
Figure (7)
(1) Water Bag with Hang/Carry Strap
(2) Adapter Ring
(3) EZ-Clean Membrane™ (hollow fiber)
(4) Filter Cap with built-in Female Quick Connect
(5) Output Hose
(6) On/Off Output Hose Clamp
(7) Male Quick Connect
Figure (2)
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
7
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