General information about water contamination. Drinking water contains three groups of pathogenic microorganisms:
| Family |
Known germs |
Size range |
| Viruses |
Hepatitis A, Norwalk Virus, Rotavirus, Poliovirus |
~0.02 - 0.2 microns |
| Bacteria |
E-coli (Escherichia coli), Salmonella (Salmonella typhimurium), Cholera (Vibrio cholerae) |
0.2 - 5 microns |
| Protozoans |
Amoeobiasis (Entamoeba histolytica), Giardia lamblia (Giardia intestinalis), Cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidumparvum) |
1 - 15 microns |
Technologies & Mechanical Water Treatment Katadyn Ceramic
Ceramic filters have a micro porous structure with impregnated silver which delays the growth of bacteria. The pore-size of Katadyn ceramic filters is 0.2 micron (0.0002 mm). Bacteria range in size from 0.2 to 5 micron and like protozoa (1 – 15 micron), are efficiently filtered out. Ceramic filters can be mechanically regenerated and the filter capacity is measurable.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is used for its ability to reduce harmful organic and inorganic substances in the water. It removes unpleasant tastes, odours, chlorine, pesticides (lindane, DDT) and trihalomethanes (THMs). These substances adhere to the large surface area of the activated carbon. Activated carbon granulate cannot be regenerated.
Glassfiber
Superfine glassfiber, within two supporting layers, forms a depth filter. Nominal pore size of 0.3 micron mechanically filters all bacteria and protozoa. The flexible glassfiber is pleated resulting in an extremely large surface area and a very high capacity to absorb dirt.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis, best known for its use in desalination, is the process of using high pressure to push a solution through a membrane that traps the solute (salt water) on one side and allows the pure solvent (fresh water) to be obtained on the other side.
Chemical water treatment
Chlorine Dioxide
As one of several 'oxides' of chlorine, it is a potent and useful oxidizing agent used in water treatment. It is effective in eliminating bacteria, viruses and cysts from water. Unlike the other halogens, chlorine dioxide tablets are effective against Cryptosporidium, even in dirty water.
Iodinated Resin
Effective in removing viruses and bacteria, iodinated resin, in conjuction with a cyst filter, is effective for water purification. Micro-organisms in the water are forced into contact with the tightly packed resin, which are bonded to iodine molecules. Iodinated resins leave less residual iodine in the water than iodine tablets. 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.
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.
Katadyn History
Today
Katadyn is the market leader in portable water treatment. Since 1928, our history has been one of innovation and durability. Katadyn’s unique products provide safety and convenience for many user groups including militaries, health organizations, and outdoor adventurers worldwide. No other water system provides higher quality or longer lasting performance. Over the years, Katadyn has taken the necessary steps to build a reliable name in the water treatment market, while working to develop the brand in other relevant categories. We strive to provide quality and efficiency in everything we do.
The launch of PremiumVoyage and PharmaVoyage
Katadyn expands into the travel market with the introduction of these high-quality travel acessories.
2004
Establishment of Katadyn Deutschland GmbH
Purchase of Trekking-Mahlzeiten GmbH of Frankfurt. Trekking-Mahlzeiten is the largest ready-meals specialist in Europe for the outdoor market. Their freeze-dried meals provide exceptional nourishment for travelers and expeditionists, by simply adding water. Trekking-Mahlzeiten and Certisil combine to form Katadyn Deutschland GmbH.
Purchase of OCO AG, Volketswil-Zürich
Our entry into the world of plastic injections - from now on, Katadyn can produce its own filter housings.
2003
Take-over of the brand PharmaVoyage in France
Katadyn begins building up a business for travel accessories.
2002
Establishment of Katadyn France
Katadyn strenghtens its market position in France and its overseas territories by buying Atmosph’air des Montagnes S.a.r.l. of Grenoble/France.
Establishment of Katadyn Singapore
katadyn enters the Asian markets with the opening of the business office.
2001
Establishment of Certisil GmbH, Munich
The marketing and production rights of the Certisil brand are purchased by Katadyn. Not only does this form Certisil GmbH, a new and wholly owned subsidiary of Katadyn, but it expands our product range to drinking water disinfection and vehicle care, where Certisil is already well established in the camping and caravan markets.
Katadyn North America is established
Fusion of all American activities are now coordinated from Minneapolis, MN.
Purchase of PUR Inc., Minneapolis/USA
Katadyn continues to expand their product line by acquiring the outdoor division of PUR Inc., a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble Inc. Katadyn is now the North American market leader for personal filtration devices, purifiers, and portable desalinators.
Purchase of Exstream Water Technologies Inc., Milwaukee/USA
Katadyn widens its product range by taking over Exstream, the US market leader in personal water purifier bottles.
1999
Going public as WEDECO Watertechnology AG at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
The business becomes the UV-market leader as it splits off from the UV-drinking water sector, and partners with Wedeco GmbH/D.
1998
Management buy-out
Adrian Schmassmann and partners acquire the Katadyn business. The new strategy is to diversify the business into the travel market and to become the market leader in mobile water treatment.
1980
Establishment of Katadyn USA
By establishing Katadyn USA, the Swiss business takes its first steps abroad.
1975
Acquisition of Keller AG in Bergdietikon
This is Katadyn's entry into municipal water processing with UV-irradiation.
1954
Move to Wallisellen-Zürich
Katadyn opens its head office and production facilities in Wallisellen-Zürich.
The pocket filter is introduced - a pioneering achievement in the sector of portable filters for water disinfection.
Founding of the business
Professor Alexander Krause writes in his book "New ways to water sterilisation": "We will from now on use the catalytically and oligodynamically active form of silver called "KATADYN-Silver".
1926
Professor Georg Alexander Krause, engineer and inventor, is the first to develop the method of using electrolysis to deposit silver ions in polluted water to eliminate bacteria.
In the 19th century, the Swiss professor of botany, Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli shows for the first time the disinfectant qualities of silver. He uses the expression “oligodynamics” on his discovery. The oligodynamic effect is still used today for the preservation of drinking water ("Trinkwasser") in mobile water containers (on board ships, aircraft, in camping).
The disinfectant effect of silver was known already in antiquity. It was noted that water in silver vessels stayed drinkable longer than water in other vessels.
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