Mechanical Water Treatment

Chemical Water Treatment

Silver
Silver ions are attracted to bacteria by polar adsorption. After penetrating the cell membrane, the ions damage the bacteria's DNA, thus preventing further multiplication. The bacteria's respiratory system is attacked and blocked, causing a chain reaction, and as a result the bacteria die.

 Chlorine
Chlorine is the most commonly used substance for water treatment worldwide. It works quickly and has a broad range of applications. Chlorine, however,  is not suitable for conservation and must be applied in the correct dosage.

 Iodine
Iodine, like chlorine, is a halogen and has a similar spectrum of activity. While it is more pH-independent and more readily storable than chlorine, it is not quite as potent and therefore has a slightly longer contact time. Without an activated carbon post-filtration medium, iodine leaves the water with an unpleasant taste. To eliminate the disadvantages of iodine, Katadyn only uses iodine with activated carbon post-filtration.

After not using my filter for an extended time period, I noticed that the ceramic had a strange smell. Do I need to buy a replacement element?
It is very important that the ceramic element be completely dry before it is stored for an extended time period. It is recommended to dry the element for up to 3 days before putting it back in the filter. If the filter has been stored damp and has a foul odor, we recommend the following: Pump 1-2 litres of water, combined with a small amount of Micropur Forte or baking soda, through the filter; then soak the ceramic element in the combination over night. Rinse it out and pump several liters of clean water through the system. For a taste test, use natural, non-chlorinated, water.

Why does my Vario filter not draw water?
Unscrew your Vario, remove the ceramic prefilter disc from the filter housing and clean the prefilter with the cleaning pad that was packaged with your filter. Put the cleaned ceramic prefilter disc back onto the filter housing in LONGER LIFE or FASTER FLOW setting. Holding the pumphead in your hand, immerse the input hose in water and pump the unit (still without the filter housing) a couple of times until it draws water. If it does not draw water, turn the pumphead upside down, fill the inside partially with water, and pump a few times to "prime" the pump, making sure that the input hose is still immersed in the water. As soon as your Vario draws water again, reassemble it and continue pumping normally. If it still does not draw water, check the o-rings on both pistons (2 o-rings per piston). The o-rings should not be brittle or damaged and need to be lubricated at all times.

Pumping with the Vario becomes increasingly difficult and water output decreases. What can I do?
Unscrew your Vario and remove the ceramic prefilter disc from the filter housing. Scrub off any dirt particles from the prefilter with the cleaning pad that was packaged with the Vario. Put the cleaned ceramic prefilter disc back onto the filter housing in LONGER LIFE mode and reassemble the filter. If the pumping is not easier, turn to FASTER FLOW and reassemble. If pumping is easier, the ceramic prefilter disc needs to be scrubbed deeper or it should be replaced. If the pumping is not easier in FASTER FLOW, the pleated filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.

Why does water leak or spray from around the pistons of my Vario when pumping?
Check the o-rings on the pistons (2 o-rings per piston). Clean o-rings and pistons with a soft cloth. The o-rings should not be brittle or damaged and need to be kept lubricated at all times. Apply additional silicone grease generously, as needed. Replace any o-rings that are damaged or worn, making sure you lubricate the new o-rings before putting them on the pistons. Lubrication improves the sealing effect and helps the filter to draw water. Be careful that the o-rings do not get pinched when you reassemble the filter.

Vario is leaking at seam between pumphead and filter housing. What can I do?
Unscrew your Vario. Remove the ceramic prefilter disc and scrub with cleaning pad. Carefully remove the o-ring at the upper end of the filter housing, lubricate it with a small amount of silicone lubricant and put it back to the filter housing. Reassemble the filter and start pumping.

How do I know when to change the cartridge of my Hiker/ Guide?
If the handle is hard to push, a replacement cartridge may be needed. Before replacement, lubricate the pump-handle o-ring with the silicone lubricant provided with your new unit. See use-and-care manual for field tips and detailed instructions.

How do I maintain my Hiker/Guide water system in the field?
To ensure the best performance of your Hiker or Guide water system, please follow these easy solutions in the field: Cleaning your cartridge A clogged cartridge usually requires replacement. As a temporary solution in the field, remove the cartridge and swish it around in water. Do not allow contaminated water to enter the cartridge output barb. This will usually provide enough additional cartridge life to complete your trip. Using your filter in silty water Portable water systems are designed to make unsafe water safe - not to make dirty water clean. Silty water will reduce cartridge lifespan. To extend cartridge life, always use the best water source available. In heavy sediment conditions, wrap a coffee filter or bandanna around the intake prefilter. Where possible, place untreated water in a container and wait for sediment to settle out and the water appears clear; then filter from water above the sediment. Fixing poor water flow caused by sediment deposit Occasionally, sediment may enter the pump body and prevent the check valve from operating properly. This may cause lack of water draw. The check valve/band can easily be cleaned to restore maximum water output. Product owners should see their use-and-care manual or field tips for detailed instructions.

How do I remove the Hiker Cartridge?
Grasp the top of the Hiker cartridge and turn counter clockwise. If cartridge removal is not possible by hand, the handle shaft will function as a cartridge removal tool. Remove the handle collar (“c” clip on top of housing) and handle. Locate one of the deep grooves on either side of the handle shaft. Lay the handle across the filter top and insert two of the “fins” on top of the filter into one of the groves of the handle shaft. Hold the handle shaft in place firmly with the palm of your hand. Using the handle shaft for leverage, apply even pressure and gradually turn the cartridge counter clockwise. Use caution so that handle shaft does not slip and cause damage. Note - Apply silicone lubricant to cartridge o-ring before re-assembly to ease cartridge removal in the future.

How do I store my Hiker/ Guide water treatment system?
Between trips, run a liter of water with two teaspoons of household bleach through the pump. Pump the unit, remove the cartridge from the housing, dry and store. Before next use, pump a liter of fresh water through the system to flush. See use-and-care manual for field tips and detailed instructions.

How does the Katadyn ceramic retain viruses?
Due to their tiny size, viruses can theoretically not be removed with a 0.2 micron (or any physical) filter. Nevertheless, long-term experience in the field has indicated that Katadyn Filters can retain viruses. This surprising fact can be explained: Viruses have an electrical surface charge that attaches them to other particles or materials. Therefore, the tight pore-structure of the Katadyn Filters removes the viruses attached to particles from your drinking water.

My unit has been stored for a long period of time. How do I know if the filter element is still ok?
First, verify that the element does not have a crack. To be sure it does not, the filter needs to be air dried completely and then submerged into water--hold a finger over the outlet to keep the air inside. If there is a crack the trapped air would exit through it and you would see bubbles rising from the ceramic.

What if I need a replacement cartridge for a PUR purifier?
Katadyn microfilter replacement cartridges fit 2 PUR purifier pumps. The Hiker cartridge will fit into a Voyageur, and the Guide cartridge will fit into a Scout. For full virus protection with a microfilter, use an EPA registered chemical disinfectant, after pumping.

What is the red knob on the Katadyn Combi filter for?
The red knob is there simply to remind you when to replace the activated carbon granulate. When the carbon has been used for 6 months, it needs to be replaced. The red knob can be turned (with the help of a coin) to the appropriate month, to make it easier to remember.

What is the red plug which comes with the Drip filter for?
The plugs can be used in emergency. If a ceramic filter has to be exchanged you can use it to plug the whole and have the DRIP functional with only two filters until you have obtained a new filter. This allows you to use the DRIP without interruption. Make sure to use the plugs only temporarily.