MSR Miniworks EX User Manual

MINIWORKS® EX OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. PREPARE YOU FILTER

1. Unscrew the Clean Side Cover from the Housing.
2. Connect open end of Inlet Hose to Inlet Hose Barb.
   Before first use, pump 1-2 liters of water through filter (1-2 minutes) to purge residual carbon dust before attaching to a clean water container.
3. Put Inlet Cage under water.
   • Adjust Inlet Float to keep Inlet Cage between bottom sediments and water surface.
4. Begin pumping until water enters Pump Head and flows out of Housing.
   • NOTE: Airspring design provides best performance when air is visible in Housing. Do not invert filter to purge air out.

2. FILTER WATER

1. Place a clean container under the filter OR attach an MSR® Dromedary™ Bag onto the bottom of the filter.
2. Begin pumping until water enters Pump Head, fills Housing, and begins to flow out of filter.
3. Pump the Handle to filter water (about 70 to 80 strokes/minute for optimal performance).

3. PACK AND STORE FILTER

1. Remove Inlet Cage from water.
2. Pump the Handle to purge filter of any remaining water.
3. Rinse and air dry Ceramic Element completely (3-5 days) before storage.
4. Attach Clean Side Cover onto the bottom of the filter to prevent contamination.
5. Wind Inlet Hose around Housing.
   • Secure Inlet Hose with Tube Clip on Handle.
   • Place filter inside Storage Sack.

4. STERILIZE CERAMIC ELEMENT

Sterilize the Ceramic Element if the filter has been used for more than seven consecutive days. Also, sterilize it before or after long-term storage, especially if Ceramic Element was stored wet.

1. Remove Ceramic Element from Housing.
2. Remove Lower End Cap O-ring.
3. Place Ceramic Element in large pot. Cover the Ceramic Element completely with water (room temperature) and allow room for the water to reach a rolling boil without spilling over.
4. Bring water to a boil and allow element to remain in rolling boil for 5 minutes.
5. Turn off stove and allow water to cool before removing element.
6. Air dry Ceramic Element completely (3-5 days).
7. Wash and dry completely all other filter parts.
8. Reassemble filter.
   • IMPORTANT: Remember to reinstall Lower End Cap O-ring.

FILTER CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

The MiniWorks EX requires regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly. Cleaning and maintenance depends on frequency of use and water quality.The Ceramic Element will clog gradually during use, especially when filtering from glacial streams or cloudy water. If necessary, replacement parts can be found in the MSR Water Filter Maintenance Kit, purchased separately from a local or online MSR dealer.

CLEANING THE CERAMIC ELEMENT - AFTER EACH USE

1. Unscrew Pump Head from Housing.
2. Unscrew Clean Side Cover from Housing.
3. Hold Housing and push Ceramic Element out from bottom.
4. Wet Scrubbing Pad with clean water and gently rub the element.
   • Use even, uniform strokes to clean around the element.
5. Rinse Ceramic Element with clean water and reassemble filter.

WARNING: Check installation of Lower End Cap O-ring to ensure element is sealed in the Housing.

MEASURING THE CERAMIC ELEMENT
NOTE: MSR recommends measuring the Ceramic Element after each cleaning.

1. Remove Ceramic Gauge from Clean Side Cover.
2. Remove Ceramic Element from Housing. (See “Cleaning the Ceramic Element.”
3. Gently lay gauge on surface of Ceramic Element and slide along its length.
   • (DO NOT FORCE gauge over element. Permanent damage can occur.)
4. Replace Ceramic Element if gauge fits easily over Ceramic Element at any point.
   • (See “Replacing the Ceramic Element.”)

REPLACING THE CERAMIC ELEMENT
Follow removal and reinstallation steps in “Cleaning the Ceramic Element.”

CLEANING THE UMBRELLA VALVE

1. Unscrew Pump Head.
2. Pinch and pull gently to remove Umbrella Valve.
3. Rinse Pump Head and Umbrella Valve thoroughly with clean water.
4. Press Umbrella Valve firmly back into place and reassemble.

CLEARING THE RELIEF VALVE ASSEMBLY

1. Unscrew Inlet Hose Barb from the Pump Head.
2. Rinse Duck Bill and reassemble.
   • Ensure sequence of Inlet Hose Barb, Inlet Hose O-ring, Relief Valve Spring, Duck Bill Washer, and Duck Bill.

CLEANING THE INLET FOAM

1. Slide Inlet Cage up the Inlet Hose.
2. Remove Inlet Foam from the Inlet Funnel.
3. Rinse foam in clear water and reinstall parts.

LUBRICATING THE PISTON O-RING

1. Pull out Pump Head Pin and Pump Head Bushing.
2. Remove Handle and Piston.
3. Lubricate Piston O-ring and reassemble.
   • Use MSR Silicone Lubricant, lip balm or petroleum jelly.