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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 Hydrapak
®
SoftFlask™ 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
TM
(as showing in the diagram on the
next page). Carefully hold the thread of the flask (under the bail handle)
when opening or closing the Katadyn BeFree
TM
, allowing the EZ-Clean
Membrane
TM
to rotate freely inside the flask. Holding or squeezing the
EZ-Clean Membrane
TM
while opening or closing the Katadyn BeFree
TM
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) EZ-Clean Membrane™ (hollow fiber)
(3) Filter Cap with built-in Female Quick Connect
(4) Bail Handle
(5) Handle
(6) Hang/Carry Strap
(7) Output Hose
(8) On/Off Output Hose Valve
(9) Male Quick Connect
Open the system by holding it at the thread of the Hydrapak
®
Soft Flask™
(under the bail handle) and unscrew the EZ-Clean Membrane™ counter-
clockwise (blue ring) (see figure 2).
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 4).
Elevate Hydrapak
®
Soft Flask™ in convenient location. For best flow, position
the filter in an upright position and hang from the highest possible location.
(see figure 5).
Close the on/off output hose valve. 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 valve to begin water flow. Let the water flow into a
water container, drink bladder or similar. Close on/off output hose valve to
stop water flow. Ensure on/off output hose valve is in wide open position (not
pinching hose whatsoever) while filtering to ensure maximum flow rate.
Fill the Hydrapak
®
Soft Flask™ with fresh water (not salt or brackish water)
from the best water source available (such as clear lakes, rivers, streams,
faucets or fountains). Use the handle and/or bail handle to fill the Hydrapak
®
Soft Flask™ (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 (2) Opening
Figure (3) Filling Figure (4) Closing
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 Hydrapak
®
Soft Flask™ 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. 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: Dry off outside of Hydrapak
®
Soft Flask™ and output hose to
avoid fresh water running down flask/hose into your water container.
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.
Figure (1) Key Components
7
9
1
3
4
2
6
5
8
Figure (5) Elevating
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 or Micropur Forte (MF 100F), in
combination with the Katadyn BeFree™ (Note: Follow all instructions for proper
use of Micropur MP1 or Micropur Forte (MF 100F) 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).
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