1. Introduction
The Berkey Travel Gravity-Fed Water Filter System is designed to provide clean, potable drinking water without the need for electricity, tools, or plumbing. This portable system is ideal for home use, camping, RVing, off-grid living, and emergency preparedness. It effectively removes or significantly reduces over 200 typical contaminants found in various freshwater sources.
Image 1.1: The Travel Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter system, including the upper and lower chambers and two Black Berkey Elements.
2. Setup
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully unpack all components and inspect for any damage. Ensure all parts are present:
- Upper Chamber
- Lower Chamber with Spigot
- Lid
- 2 Black Berkey Elements
- 2 Wing Nuts and 2 Washers (for filter attachment)
- Priming Button (blue, for filter priming)
2.2 Priming Black Berkey Elements
Before first use, Black Berkey Elements must be primed to remove any air from the filter's pores. This ensures proper water flow and filtration.
- Attach the blue priming button to the stem of a Black Berkey Element.
- Press the priming button firmly against a faucet, allowing cold water to flow into the filter element.
- Continue priming until water beads appear on the outside of the filter element.
- Repeat for the second Black Berkey Element.
Image 2.1: Close-up of two Black Berkey Elements, which are crucial for the filtration process.
2.3 Assembly
- Insert the stem of each primed Black Berkey Element into the holes at the bottom of the upper chamber.
- Secure each element with a washer and wing nut from the underside of the upper chamber. Hand-tighten only.
- Place the upper chamber onto the lower chamber.
- Install the spigot onto the lower chamber, ensuring a tight seal with the provided washers.
- Place the lid on top of the upper chamber.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Filling the System
Pour untreated water into the upper chamber. The water will gravity-feed through the Black Berkey Elements into the lower chamber, where it is stored as purified water.
Image 3.1: A hand pouring water into the upper chamber of the Berkey system for filtration.
3.2 Dispensing Water
Once filtered, water can be dispensed from the spigot located on the lower chamber. The system is designed for continuous use, providing fresh water as needed.
Image 3.2: A person dispensing purified water from the Berkey system's spigot into a glass.
3.3 Usage Tips
- The system holds 1.5 gallons of water, suitable for 1-3 people daily.
- No electricity or plumbing is required, making it versatile for various environments.
- For optimal performance, ensure the upper chamber is not overfilled beyond the capacity of the lower chamber to prevent overflow.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning the Chambers
Clean the stainless steel chambers periodically with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
4.2 Filter Cleaning and Replacement
Black Berkey Elements are long-lasting, capable of purifying up to 6,000 gallons per pair before replacement is recommended. The lifespan may vary based on influent water quality and usage frequency. If flow rate slows significantly, filters may need cleaning:
- Remove the Black Berkey Elements from the upper chamber.
- Scrub the exterior of the elements with a stiff brush (not soap) under running water to remove any buildup.
- Re-prime the elements before re-installing.
Replace filters when the flow rate cannot be restored by cleaning, or after approximately 6,000 gallons of use per pair.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Slow Filtration Rate
- Cause: Clogged filter pores due to sediment or mineral buildup.
- Solution: Remove and clean the Black Berkey Elements as described in the Maintenance section. Ensure proper priming after cleaning.
5.2 Water Leaks from Spigot
- Cause: Improperly installed spigot or worn washers.
- Solution: Tighten the spigot nut. If leaking persists, check the washers for proper placement and condition. Replace if damaged.
5.3 Water Leaks from Between Chambers
- Cause: Overfilling the upper chamber beyond the capacity of the lower chamber.
- Solution: Do not fill the upper chamber with more water than the lower chamber can hold.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | BER-TU2 |
| Capacity | 1.5 Gallons |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 7.5" x 7.5" x 18" |
| Item Weight | 4 Pounds |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Special Feature | Portable, Gravity-fed |
| Purification Method | Activated Carbon |
| Filter Lifespan (Black Berkey Elements) | Up to 6,000 gallons per pair |
7. Warranty and Support
7.1 Product Warranty
New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. (makers of the Berkey Systems) warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase. Black Berkey purification elements have a two-year prorated warranty calculated in six-month intervals.
Note: Not available to ship to California or Iowa.
7.2 Customer Support
For further assistance, please refer to the official Berkey website or contact their customer service department.
Image 7.1: Official Authorized Berkey Dealer logo.
8. Additional Product Views
Image 8.1: The Berkey filter in an outdoor setting, demonstrating its portability and ease of use for camping or off-grid situations.
Image 8.2: The Berkey filter positioned on a kitchen countertop, highlighting its suitability for daily home use.
Image 8.3: The Berkey filter being used outdoors, with a person preparing coffee using filtered water.
Image 8.4: A detailed view of the spigot on the lower chamber, designed for easy water dispensing.
