Water Filter Instructions
Katadyn Pocket Filter
[Back]
Compliments of
Black Mountain Stores, Inc.
Microfiltration of water which may be contaminated by infective microorganisms.
Katadyn filters were originally designed to meet Swiss standards for removal of all bacteria from natural untreated water sources such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, springs, reservoirs and wells.
They are also used on dechlorinated water to remove bacteria which may pass through or incubate and multiply on the wet charcoal in filters used to remove chlorine or chemicals.
GIARDIA and other cysts as well as coliform and the smallest known bacteria were shown to be completely removed in many tests.
Tests also demonstrated zero bacteria in the filtered water after idle intervals, demonstrating that no bacteria incubate within the filter. Contamination of the ceramic filter element by harmful bacteria is prevented by bacteriostatic silver which is dispersed and fixed throughout the ceramic material by Katadyn's proprietary manufacturing process. This protection lasts up to the end of the life cycle of the element.
The water being filtered flows from the outside surface of the ceramic through to a protected interior chamber and then to the output spout which therefore is repeatedly flushed by decontaminated water free of infective microorganisms.
The Katadyn Pocket does not remove dissolved minerals or chemicals. Therefore, sea water or brackish water is not desalinated. Nor is water softened by removal of the hardness, minerals, calcium and magnesium, normally considered beneficial in water for drinking and food preparation.
Parasites, algae, pollen, fungi, asbestos fibers, nuclear explosion debris, invisible dust particles as well as larger suspended particles and sediment are removed by Katadyn filtration. Therefore, water is clarified and often tastes better.
The outside surface of the ceramic filter element may temporarily plug up by the particulate matter in the water. The exterior of the ceramic is then wiped or brushed to restore the normal flow rate.
1. Operation of the Katadyn Pocket (PF)
- Tighten the filter assembly by turning the bottom base 20657 with hose 22254 until it is firmly seated. It does not need to be tightened until the intake hose is aligned with the output spout; pumping is often more convenient with the intake hose at 90° or greater angle from the output spout.
- Rest the bottom with one of the rubber feet on a solid surface and submerge the intake hose 22254 in water to be filtered. The floater 100441 prevents its sinking into sand and mud.
- Pull the pump handle 20647 up to the full length of the shaft and begin pumping in upright position with even strokes at about 20 strokes per minute. Only air, then air and water is pumped at first, but water will begin flowing within the first 20 strokes.
- After flushing the output spout (or when new, discarding the first liter or quart), place a canteen or other receptacle under the output spout and begin collecting water for use.
The ceramic surface of the filter element should be cleaned when invisible or visible particles have accumulated and make the pumping more difficult and the output flow less than normal. Do not try to force water through a clogged filter by pumping harder. Cleaning procedure:
- Empty water from the filter by pumping in horizontal position until spray of mixed air and water ceases.
- Remove the bottom base 20657 and the plastic sleeve 100342 by turning the top counter-clockwise.
- Clean the ceramic surface with the cleaning device supplied, applying little pressure (or just wipe it clean if the clogging matter comes off easily as river silt usually does). Do not use metal bristle brush, detergents, antiseptics, or hot water which could damage important seals between contaminated and filtered water!
- Rinse the external ceramic surface with water, either unfiltered (if not too muddy or sandy) or with previously filtered and clarified water.
- Reassemble if to be used to filter more water immediately or packed for continuance of the trip.
A Katadyn Pocket which is only damp and from which no water or spray can be pumped will not be harmed by freezing temperatures, but it must be completely emptied by horizontal pumping after each use when it has any chance of being exposed to freezing temperatures.
4. Filter Element (PFE) 2020000
Please handle with care. Sharp blows by a hard object or dropping on a rock or other hard surface can cause visible cracks in the ceramic. In such event, a replacement PFE should be used and the damaged PFE discarded.
5. Replacement of Filter Element PFE 2020000
The filter element 2020000 should be replaced when repeated cleanings have worn the ceramic down at its thinnest part to a diameter of 1 1/4" (32 mm). A plastic gauge (Pos. 10) enclosed in the carrying case 122210 indicates when the minimum diameter of the ceramic is reached. When the teeth of the gauge (Pos. 10) slip over the thinnest place on the worn ceramic (at 1 1/4"), a replacement PFE is needed. Until then, it retains its complete effectiveness as long as it has not been damaged by rough treatment or accidents.
Only a very thin layer of ceramic is removed with each normal brush cleaning. Various color tints which may develop in the ceramic from water in some locales do not alter the filters effectiveness and do not need to be removed. With experience, each owner soon learns how little cleaning effort is needed to restore full flow with various water sources or to remove algae which can cause musty odors in storage.
When replacing the PFE, the pump shaft 20647 should be removed and reinserted with a twisting motion to avoid damage to the piston O-ring (Pos. 1), and the O-ring should be lightly lubricated with enclosed silicon 20542 or vaseline locally available.
6. Troubleshooting
20 complete strokes (up and down) of the pump fail to deliver water through a new or freshly cleaned filter element, inspect the assembly for the following:
- Pumping air only - because the hose 22254 has split from being bent sharply or has been punctured.
- Leakage of water because the assembly is not firmly seated - bottom base 20657 not tight enough.
- Too much debris or mud or sand clogging the intake sieve at hose end 22254.
- Ball valves (Pos. 2) in the bottom base 20657 stuck from previous use and drying of water sediment on them both rattle when free. One ball valve is visible below screw (Pos. 4); the other is visible in the center below pin (Pos. 8) held in place by screw (Pos. 5). The balls can normally be freed by a soft wood toothpick without removing the screws and retaining pin.
- Damage to the pump piston O-ring (Pos. 1) from failing to lubricate it occasionally with vaseline or from excessive, pumping of water full of grit and sand. A spare O-ring (Pos. 1) is included with each Katadyn Pocket.
Except for cleaning the ceramic surface for storage and when it is in use on water containing clogging sediment, the Katadyn Pocket normally only requires occasional lubrication of the piston pump O-ring (Pos. 1) with a small amount of enclosed silicon 20542 or locally available vaseline. For long term storage or severe environments, a small amount of vaseline may also be desirable on the pump shaft 20647, on the threads of the bottom base 20657, and on upper ends of the plastic sleeve 100342.
8. Storage
Between trips or for long-term emergency preparedness, clean and air dry the disassembled filter at room temperature for several days to be sure the ceramic is completely dry (Do not use hot air blowers!). Then reassemble with bottom base 20657 not tightened, place in ventilated case, and keep in storage avoiding excessive heat or mildew.
General Classification. It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.