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 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 top part of the flask 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) 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 MESSAGE
WARNINGS
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.