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Q:
What is the difference between portable filters and Polar Pure?
A: Filters have become popular because they can remove pollutants
from water without changing the water taste. The most popular portable
filters sold today have pore sizes of 0.1 to 4 microns. The Giardia cyst is
6 microns in diameter. Many bacteria are larger than 0.2 microns, so 0.2
micron filters are adequate to handle such organisms. Viruses, however,
range from 0.004 to 0.06 microns in size -- far smaller than the pore size
of the best portable filter. Therefore, chemicals (such as Polar Pure) or
heat must be used after, or instead of a filter if viruses could be present.
Only a filter system which includes an iodine matrix will destroy viruses.
Q: What about the iodine taste?
A: Iodine taste is usually unnoticed below 2-3 ppm. If objectionable,
it can be minimized by adding flavoring, sugar or Vitamin C to the water
AFTER the necessary contact time. Iodine reacts with such additions to
become "tasteless" iodide.
Q: Can I use chlorine to disinfect my water?
A: Ordinary household chlorine bleach (e.g. Clorox, Purex etc.), a 5%
solution of sodium hypochlorite, can be used as a water disinfectant. It is
readily obtainable in many parts of the world and will kill Giardia and
viruses, but in dilute solution, it becomes awkward to use because such a
large volume must be carried. Therefore, it would not be a good choice for
backpacking.
Q: Will boiling my water also disinfect it?
A: One way to disinfect water is simply to heat it to 150° F (66° C)
or to onset of boiling. The temperature at which water boils changes with
the change in atmospheric pressure. Thus, the higher you are from sea level,
the longer it will take for your water to boil and, consequently, more fuel
will be required. The extra fuel needed may be a problem on long trips or
where fuel is not available.
Q: Can I disinfect more than one quart or liter of water at a time?
A: One filled bottle of Polar Pure is capable of treating between two
and six quarts of water at one time before refilling. The amount of Polar
Pure needed varies with solution temperature. Warmer solution will have a
higher concentration of iodine (higher saturation) so fewer capfuls will be
required per quart / liter.
Q: Is Polar Pure harmed by freezing?
A: The effectiveness of Polar Pure is not effected by freezing.
However, once filled with water, it is important to protect the bottle from
freezing. The bottle could break due to expansion of the liquid when frozen.
If you are hiking in freezing conditions, keep your bottle of Polar Pure in
an inside pocket close to your body or with you in your sleeping bag. Store
your bottle of Polar Pure where it will not freeze between uses. You may
empty the bottle between uses if you prefer but it is best to have it filled
and ready to use when needed. Some liquid will be retained in the bottle.
Q: Why treat stored water with AQUAMIRA™?
A: It is important to protect all stored water supplies from
bacteria. AQUAMIRA™ is an extremely versatile water treatment that can be
used to treat water as containers are being filled to protect water against
bacterial growth. AQUAMIRA may also be used to treat existing stored water
supplies to refresh water quality and enhance taste.
Q: Why is AQUAMIRA considered a breakthrough in water treatment
technology?
A: Chlorine dioxide is a proven water treatment that has been used in
hundreds of U.S. and European city water treatment plants for over 50 years.
AQUAMIRA represents a breakthrough in technology that allows stabilized
chlorine dioxide to be made available to consumers.
Q: Is there chlorine in chlorine dioxide?
A: No, there is no chlorine in chlorine dioxide. Although chlorine
dioxide has the word chlorine in its name, the two chemicals have completely
different chemical structures. The additional oxygen atom radically changes
the molecule and creates completely different chemical behaviors and
by-products. Their differences are as profound as those between hydrogen,
the explosive gas, and hydrogen combined with oxygen, which creates
dihydrogen oxide—commonly called water.
Q: How safe is AQUAMIRA?
A: Water treated with AQUAMIRA is safe to drink on a regular basis
when treated as directed. Other water treatment chemicals may create foul
tastes and odors, and discolor water. Some chemicals, like iodine, chlorine,
and other halogens, create potentially harmful by-products.
Q: How does AQUAMIRA work?
A: When AQUAMIRA parts A and B are mixed together, chlorine dioxide
is activated and releases oxygen in a highly active form to effectively kill
bacteria and enhance the taste of water.
Q: How much fluid does the Fuel Belt carry?
A: Each flask holds 7 ounces. The 2 bottle belt carries 14 ounces.
The 4 bottle Fuel Belt carries 28 ounces- that’s MORE than one large water
bottle. The 6 bottle carries 42 ounces. The 8 bottle belt carries 56 ounces.
You'll be able to mix and match your special drinks and your gels. Some of
our latest Fuel Belts have pockets for keys, money or supplements and come
with reflective tape for early morning or evening running.
Q: Will the Fuel Belt bounce around my waist when full?
A: Not this belt. Fuel Belts were designed to move with you, not
against you. When all flasks are full, the weight is proportionally
distributed around your waist so that there is no "concentration" of weight
in one area over another. You will not experience the dreaded
'bottle-bounce' found on other hydration belts. Fuel Belts can be easily
adjusted while on the go.
Q: Can I order replacement flasks?
A: You can order new flasks directly on the Fuel Belt web site or by
our toll free number. Flasks are sold in packages of 4 for $11.95 and come
with new replacement caps as well. Our new flasks should last a full season
without any problems. Wash with warm water, but be careful not to tighten
caps too tightly as the threads are soft.
Q: Will using the Fuel Belt really have any affect on my training or
racing?
A: Guaranteed! Imagine being able to take 28 ounces with you during
your training runs- without the burden of bouncing bottles! There’s no
question that staying hydrated is the key to improved performances. You'll
be able to fill each flask with your favorite drink and you’ll feel better
on every run- the whole time you’re out there. Think of the Fuel Belt as
your very own personal hydration station!
Q: Is the Fuel Belt designed for gels too?
A: Yes. Depending on the type of gel you use, the Fuel Belt Super
Flask will work perfectly as a gel flask holder. If the gel you use is
thick, just add water to dilute and our Super Flask will work great! Some
athletes have found that if they use one flask for gel and the others for
fluids, it makes for a perfect combination in longer events or training
runs.
Q: How do I know when to change the cartridge of my Hiker/ Guide?
A: 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.
Q: How do I maintain my Hiker/Guide water system in the field?
A: 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.
Q: How do I remove the Hiker Cartridge?
A: 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.
Q: How do I store my Hiker/ Guide water treatment system?
A: Between trips, run a liter of water with two teaspoons of
household bleach through the pump. Pump the unit dry and store (removing the
cartridge from the housing and allowing to dry before storage is optional).
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.
Q: How does the Katadyn ceramic retain viruses?
A: 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.
Q: My unit has been stored for a long period of time. How do I know
if the filter element is still ok?
A: 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.
Q: What if I need a replacement cartridge for a PUR purifier?
A: 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.
Q: What is the red knob on the Katadyn Combi filter for?
A: 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.
Q: What is the red plug which comes with the Drip filter for?
A: 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.
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