INSTRUCTION MANUAL

jerrycan

International Version 2.1

Dear user
I originally developed the LIFESAVER bottle after I saw
the tragic waste of life and serious problems caused by
the lack of safe drinking water in the wake of the tsunami
in December 2004 and then again the following year on
August 29, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. It
took a little while and some very frustrating prototypes but
eventually I did it. And the rest, as they say, is history.
As far back as the Second World War jerrycans have been
used for transporting water. LIFESAVER systems have
revolutionised this 60 year old storage technology. We
have completely redesigned it from the ground up. The
LIFESAVER jerrycan incorporates LIFESAVERs famous
filtration technology allowing users to process up to 20,000
litres of clean sterile drinking water without the use of
chemicals.
The LIFESAVER jerrycan bridges the gap between hand
held water filtration and the tap. Like the LIFESAVER bottle
the LIFESAVER jerrycan uses a highly advanced ultra
filtration system. LIFESAVER jerrycan will remove bacteria,
viruses, cysts, parasites, fungi and all other microbiological
waterborne pathogens. It does all this without the aid of
any foul tasting chemicals like iodine (which is now banned
for use in drinking water within Europe).
I designed the LIFESAVER jerrycan to be used in many
different markets including Aid, Military, Consumer, Traveller
and Emergency preparedness. Treated with care and
respect you can expect many years of trouble-free use.
Should you have any questions or concerns please feel
free to contact me at [email protected]

Michael W. Pritchard M.W.M.Soc

LIFESAVER systems
Inventor CEO

UK

Contents

4
5
6
7
8
8

Using your LIFESAVER jerrycan

Priming the cartridge
Drinking from the jerrycan
Before undertaking any trip
Instructions for routine use
Choosing your water source

9 Maintenance and care of your

LIFESAVER jerrycan

10 Front-side washing at home and in the field

11 Installing / changing the UF cartridge

12 Replacing the activated carbon filter tap

13 Maintaining the pump

14 Failsafe technology

15 Membrane integrity check

15 Long term storage

15 Preventing hardness salts build-up on filter
16 Sterilisation

17 Frequently Asked Questions

18 Technical Information

19 Warranty

USING YOUR JERRYCAN

tap protective housing

tap handle

outlet with
hydrocarry
connection

tap/activated
carbon filter tap
tap cap
removable
pump for easy
filling
15nm ultra
filtration
membranes
protective mesh

connection
apertures for
fitting of axles,
bolting to
vehicles etc

sturdy base legs

carry handle

pump handle
(bayonet locking)
pump cap

UK
first time use
Priming the cartridge
In order to use LIFESAVER jerrycan you
must first prime the UF cartridge which
is supplied pre-installed.
To prime the UF cartridge:
Ensure the tap cap is firmly tightened.
Ensure the tap is in the open position.
Unscrew the pump cap and remove
the pump.
Fill to the top with tap water, camp
water or water from any other clean
source. 1
Screw pump firmly back into place.
Allow to stand for 5 minutes.
Push pump handle down slightly and
turn anti-clockwise to unlock.
Pump several times 2 until water
starts to flow.* 3
Discard the first 2 litres of water.**
your LIFESAVER jerrycan is now
ready to use.

USINg yOUR jERRyCAN

When priming you may notice the water

takes a while to come through. This is
*Do not over pump your LIFESAVER
normal and part of the priming process. jerrycan. It is effectively a pressurised
After -4 litres, the water will flow freely.
vessel and should be handled with

iMPOrTaNT!
you may notice on priming that the water
contains white/grey/black particles.
This is simply harmless carbon and
membrane dust from the filter and/or
activated carbon tap filter (if fitted) and
once a few litres of water has passed
through the cartridge this will disappear.

caution. you will discover in a very short

time that only a few pumps are needed
to induce water flow. If you require an
increased flow rate then more pumping
will be required. The jerrycan may
remain pressurised when not in use.
This means that you can turn the tap on
and off several times without having to
re-pressurise the jerrycan.
** In order to maintain the quality of the
membranes after manufacture a small
amount of glycerine is used to coat their
surface. Priming the cartridge removes
the glycerine.

USINg yOUR jERRyCAN

Drinking from the lifesaver jerrycan

Having primed the cartridge, refill your
LIFESAVER jerrycan and familiarise
yourself with it. The LIFESAVER jerrycan
is designed to remain pressurised.
When pressurised you can turn the
tap on and off and water will flow.
aNYWaY technology
LIFESAVER jerrycan has been designed
to work at any angle 1 and on any axis.
It incorporates ANyWAy technology.
This means that in effect it will work in
any position. When the level of the water
in the jerrycan gets low, turning it on
its side 2 will improve the flow rate.

Transport
When taking your LIFESAVER jerrycan on
an aeroplane ensure that it is completely
drained of water and that it is packed
securely within your luggage. Protect
from freezing. Ensure that the jerrycan
is de-pressurised before your trip.
refilling your lifesaver jerrycan
This is a straight forward exercise but
you should be careful when filling not to
contaminate the tap. Remember always fill
from the cleanest water source available.

Before you undertake any trip

It is important that you follow these few
simple steps:
Ensure that the cartridge is correctly
and firmly in place. (How to install
or replace a LIFESAVER jerrycan UF
cartridge - page 11)
Check the pump is working smoothly
and add a small amount of silicone
grease (provided) to the piston head
as required. (Maintenance and care
- page 9) Failure to do this will result in
the premature wearing of the o-ring.
Perform a membrane integrity check.
(Membrane integrity check - page 15)
If you think that the area you are visiting
may have chemical contamination in the
water you should install a LIFESAVER
activated carbon tap before your trip.
This will avoid the risk of performing this
operation in the field.

IMPORTANT!
Always keep the tap cap firmly
screwed on when in the field.
Do not remove cap unless
changing the activated carbon
filter tap or the LIFESAVER
cartridge and then only after
following instructions (How to
install or replace a LIFESAVER
jerrycan UF cartridge - page 11).

USING YOUR JERRYCAN

UK

CAUTION When removing the

pump unscrew turn and allow
any pressurised air still within
the jerrycan to escape. Failure to
do this could result in the pump
being forced out of the jerrycan
at speed and could cause
serious injury.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

iMPOrTaNT!
Do not allow grit, sand or other
abrasive matter to enter the jerrycan.
If this happens it should be removed.

The LIFESAVER jerrycan is designed

to collect small amounts of particulate
matter at its base. This along with
a small amount of water will remain
at the bottom of the jerrycan and
will not pass through the filter. This
is designed to prolong the life of
your filter.

*Do not over pump your LIFESAVER

jerrycan. It is effectively a
pressurised vessel and should
be handled with caution. you will
discover in a very short time that
only a few pumps are needed to
induce water flow. If you require
an increased flow rate then more
pumping will be required. The
jerrycan may remain pressurised
when not in use. This means that
you can turn the tap on and off
several times without having to repressurise the jerrycan.

instructions for routine use

Once you are familiar with your
LIFESAVER jerrycan, the instructions
are simple. FILL PUMP DRINK
Unscrew and remove the pump.
Fill to the top with water.
Screw pump cap firmly back into
place.
Ensure the tap is in the closed
position.
Push pump handle down slightly
and turn anti-clockwise to unlock.
Pump several times.* (If jerrycan is
full you will only need a few pumps
to pressurise it)
Push pump handle down and turn
clockwise to lock.
Turn tap on and water will flow.
Turn tap off when finished.
Choosing your water source
Always choose the cleanest water
source available. LIFESAVER jerrycan
will work with high turbidity water
though the dirtier the water, the
quicker the cartridge will expire.

Maintenance and care

The unique ultra filtration membranes
used in the LIFESAVER jerrycan have
been developed to deliver a high volume
of throughput at very low pressures. The
flow rate and capacity of your LIFESAVER
cartridge will depend on the water quality.
LIFESAVER jerrycan is designed to
filter water only. It is not designed
for filtering sugared or carbonated
drinks, alcohol or any other liquids.
LIFESAVER jerrycan will not filter out salts.
If you suspect the cartridge has been
damaged in some way perform a
Membrane Integrity Check (page 15)
If it fails then replace the cartridge following
the instructions on page 11 - How to install
or replace a LIFESAVER UF cartridge.
LIFESAVER jerrycan has a long shelf life.
It can be stored unused for up to  years.
Once the jerrycan has been used, the
cartridge will last up to a further 2 years
dependent upon usage conditions.

iMPOrTaNT!
DO NOT subject the
LIFESAVER jerrycan / cartridge
to shock or other misuse such
as inserting objects into the
cartridge or mishandling.
DO NOT fill the LIFESAVER
jerrycan with any liquids other
than water as this will cause
irreparable damage and in any
event will void your warranty.
DO NOT allow large, sharp
or abrasive matter such as
stones, glass, metal and other
detritus to enter the jerrycan.
DO NOT use detergents or
other cleaning agents to
clean your LIFESAVER
jerrycan/ cartridge except
where specified.
CAUTION When removing the
pump unscrew turn and
allow any pressurised air still
within the jerrycan to escape.
Failure to do this could result
in the pump being forced out
of the jerrycan at speed and
could cause serious injury.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

UK

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

front-side washing lifesaver jerrycan

at home
Over the life of the membranes
1. Empty the jerrycan of water.
particulate matter will build up on
2. Unscrew and remove the
its surface. The filter cartridges
tap cap and tap. 1
unique design induces particulate
.
Remove the filter from the jerrycan
matter to form a caking layer on
and remove the rubber O ring
its external surfaces. To reduce
(keep the O ring clean and safe).
this build-up you should perform a
4. Put the protective cap provided
front-side wash on a regular basis.
over the end of the cartridge 2
(THIS IS VERy IMPORTANT as it
To perform a front-side wash:
prevents contaminated water from
in the field
entering the clean water area within
With the tap in the closed position
the cartridge. If you fail to do this
remove the pump. Fill with 2- litres of
you risk contaminating the safe
the cleanest water available and gently
water area of the cartridge and the
swill out any debris that has collected
cartridge may need to be replaced.)
at the bottom of the jerrycan. Now fill
5. It is now safe to soak the cartridge in
the jerrycan full with the cleanest
a basin of water. By gently agitating
water available. gently swill the water
the water, dirt and other matter will
around for a minute or two. Invert the
be dislodged from the surface of the
jerrycan several times. Empty and
membranes. When washing keep
repeat as necessary. It is always a good
one hand on the protective cap to
idea to keep the membranes as free
prevent it from slipping off. 3
from particulate matter as possible.
6. Flush this water away and repeat
several times as necessary. you
iMPOrTaNT!
may use warm (not hot) water for
The protective cap must be firmly closed
this process and you may also
over the end of the cartridge. Do not
run the tap over the cartridge.
attempt to touch the membranes through
7. Leave the cartridge to drain for 1 hour.
the protective mesh as this could cause
8. Re-assemble the jerrycan
damage and will void your warranty.
(Long term storage - page 15)
1

Remove O ring

10

How to install or change a lifesaver

jerrycan Uf cartridge
Before changing your cartridge, try frontside washing first to remove particulate
matter (page 10). This may just extend the
life of your cartridge long enough to meet
your requirements.
As the LIFESAVER jerrycan has been
designed for exceptional service life, it
is rare that you will need to change the
cartridge whilst in the field. However,
should it be necessary, it is very important
that you follow these instructions carefully:
Empty the jerrycan of water.
Unscrew & remove tap cap and tap.
Remove the old cartridge 1 and discard
it responsibly.
Thoroughly clean the LIFESAVER
jerrycan and pump by washing it with
mild washing up liquid in warm water
(use a soft cloth for this). Ensure that
all dirt is removed and the jerrycan is
thoroughly clean. Rinse thoroughly and
allow to dry.
Remove the new LIFESAVER jerrycan
UF cartridge from its packaging.
Insert the new cartridge into the jerrycan.
Insert the tap into the tap cap 2 and
thread onto the jerrycan. 3
Ensure that the tap cap is tightened
firmly.
you now need to prime the cartridge.
(see page 5 for priming)

iMPOrTaNT!
Changing your LIFESAVER
cartridge in the field causes
a heightened risk of cross
contamination during cartridge
change over. Should you need
to replace your cartridge,
ensure you have clean, dry
hands. Once the expired
cartridge is removed, clean,
disinfect and dry the jerrycan
before inserting the new
cartridge. This will reduce the
risk of cross contamination.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

UK

your LIFESAVER jerrycan is now ready

to use again.

11

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

installing or replacing an activated

carbon filter tap
The activated carbon filter incorporated
into the tap housing is made of high
specification activated carbon which
reduces a broad spectrum of chemical
residues including pesticides, endocrine
disrupting compounds, medical residues
and heavy metals.

The activated carbon filter is incorporated

into the tap housing. This is not designed
to be removed. Attempting to do so will
damage the carbon.

1. Empty the jerrycan of water.

2. Unscrew & remove tap cap and tap.
. Insert your new activated carbon filter
tap into the tap cap and thread onto
the jerrycan. Ensure that the tap cap is
tightened firmly.
After any long trip and or when storing
LIFESAVER jerrycan the activated
carbon tap filter should be removed and
discarded and replaced with the standard
tap provided. Only replace with a new
activated carbon filter tap immediately
before your next trip.
flow rate with carbon filter tap
To reduce chemical contamination within
the water it needs a contact time with
the activated carbon. With a carbon
filter tap fitted the flow of water will slow
significantly. This is normal.

12

iMPOrTaNT!
you only need to fit a
LIFESAVER jerrycan
activated carbon filter tap
when you suspect that the
water may contain chemical
contamination. In most water
courses this is generally not
the case. Retain your original
tap for future use.

Maintaining the pump

LIFESAVER jerrycans pump has been
designed for high workloads. The o-ring
inside the pump is designed to glide easily
up and down the tube. A small amount of
silicone grease should be added to the oring of the pump plunger from time to time.
To maintain the pump follow
these instructions:

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

UK

1. Unscrew the pump.

2. With both thumbs push the threaded cap
upwards away from the pump tube. 1
. Remove the pump tube. 2
4. Place a small amount of silicone
grease around the o-ring at the
end of the pump piston. 3
5. Reassemble by locating the x shaped
guide pins into the holes in the pump cap.

1

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

failsafetechnology
There are several aspects of this technology that increase
the safety and reliability of your LIFESAVER jerrycan.
1

iMPOrTaNT!
This integrity check should be
performed on a regular basis
and every time the jerrycan
has been subjected to shock
or you suspect damage may
have occurred for any reason
to the jerrycan or cartridge
membranes.

14

auto shut Off

As the LIFESAVER cartridge nears the end of its
service life a greater and greater number of pumps
are required to induce water to flow. There will come
a point at which despite continuous pumping water
does not flow. DO NOT confuse this with the level of
water getting low within the jerrycan. Try changing
the orientation as in 1 & 2 to improve the flow.
If changing the orientation does not improve the flow
and there is still plenty of water in the jerrycan then
this is the auto shut off feature of FAILSAFE working.
your cartridge has now expired and you must now
change it. Before changing however, perform a front
side wash as the membranes may just be covered with
particulate matter. (Front-side washing - page 10).
Membrane integrity
The ultra filtration membranes used in your LIFESAVER
jerrycan have been precision engineered. They have
been integrated into a robust cartridge format and have
been designed for long service life. If treated incorrectly
or without care they are liable to break. There are
several reasons why a membrane might break. DO NOT
subject the jerrycan/cartridge to shock or drops or other
misuse such as inserting objects into the cartridge or
filling the jerrycan up with anything other than water.
DO NOT allow large, sharp or abrasive matter such
as stones, glass, metal etc. to enter the cartridge.

UK
Membrane Integrity check
Your LIFESAVER jerrycan has been designed to work
in the vertical position or horizontal position with the
jerrycan tap facing downward. Please refer to drawing
1 & 2 on page 14. If water does not flow freely despite
being full at these angles then the membranes have
become damaged in someway. If the membranes
have been compromised in anyway a large amount of
air will be expelled from the tap rather than water 3 .
You must stop using your jerrycan and replace the
cartridge immediately.

Long term storage

If storing LIFESAVER jerrycan for a prolonged period of
time (i.e. between trips) you should always perform a
front-side wash. Ensure that no water remains in the tap
housing. You will need to discard the activated carbon
filter tap. It is also advisable to sterilise the jerrycan. To
keep your LIFESAVER jerrycan in tip top condition you
should flush through with water on a regular basis. DO
NOT allow the filter to dry out.
Preventing hardness salts
build-up on the filter.
In hard water areas calcium, magnesium and
other salts are in solution within the water. They
are perfectly normal. However if you are storing
your jerrycan for prolonged periods it is important
that it is not left to dry out. If it does and the water
is from a hard water area then these salts will
come out of solution and crystallize on and within
the filter membrane. This will significantly reduce
the performance of the membranes and in some
cases cause the membrane to stop working. You

15

will NOT be able to make a claim under your warranty.

Sterilisation
Empty the jerrycan and flush out any debris.
Turn tap to off position.
Fill your jerrycan way with clean tap water and add 35ml of
Milton Fluid (or compatible sterilising fluid) to make a sterilising
solution.
Continue filling to the top.
Screw pump firmly back into place.
Gently invert the jerrycan several times to agitate the
sterilising solution.
Allow to stand for 60 minutes.
Turn tap to on position Pump several times until water starts to
flow. Allow at least litre to flow.
Turn tap to off position and leave to stand for a further
60 minutes.
Turn tap to on position and pump the remaining sterilising
solution out. Some will still remain and this is normal.
Discard the remaining sterilising solution.
Re-fill with clean tap water.
Pump this water through the jerrycan.
Your LIFESAVER jerrycan has been sterilised and is ready to be
used again.
When you plan to use LIFESAVER jerrycan again just flush a
couple of litres of water through and it is ready to use again.
If you notice any bacteriological growth on the inside of the
jerrycan then clean both jerrycan and cartridge as advised, (How
to install or replace a LIFESAVER jerrycan UF cartridge - page 11)
and perform sterilisation again.
Before first use LIFESAVER jerrycan should be kept in a dry
place. After first use the product should be protected against
drying out and freezing.

16

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where do I purchase
additional cartridges?
A. R
 eplacement cartridges and other
LIFESAVER jerrycan consumables
are available from the dealer
where you purchased your
LIFESAVER jerrycan.
Alternatively go to our website
www.lifesaversystems.com and
buy online.
Q. Where do I dispose of spent
cartridges?
A. T
 he cartridge is made of
recyclable plastic and should
be disposed of at a recycling
centre. If this is not possible, you
can dispose of it in your normal
household waste.

Q I am pumping but no water is

coming out
A. Your cartridge may have expired
or may require a front-side wash
(page 8).
Q The pumping action has
become stiff
A. The most likely reason for this
is a lack of silicone grease in
the pump tube (maintaining the
pump - page 14).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

UK

Q Where can I get replacement

parts?
A. LIFESAVER jerrycan has been
engineered so that all parts are
replaceable. Please go to the
dealer where you purchased
your LIFESAVER jerrycan.
Alternatively go to our website
www.lifesaversystems.com and
buy online.

For a list of these and

other frequently asked
questions
please visit our website
www.lifesaversystems.com.

17

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Performance and technical data

Minimum operating temperature
Maximum operating temperature
Minimum storage temperature
Maximum storage temperature

>0 oC (32 oF)

50 oC (140 oF)
-10 oC* (14 oF)
50 oC (140 oF)

Initial flow rate

Cartridge service rating

MWCO
Bacteria retention
Virus retention

2L/[email protected] Bar1
10,000 litres (2650 US gallons)
20,000 litres (5300 US gallons)
200KDa on dextranes
>99.999995 % (log 7.5)
>99.999 % (log5)

Chemical reduction Activated carbon reduces chemical residues,

inc; pesticides,
endocrine disrupting compounds, medical
residues and heavy metals
LIFESAVER jerrycan US compliance EPA - US National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act
93-523
LIFESAVER jerrycan UK compliance
Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000
LIFESAVER jerrycan EU compliance
European Drinking Water Directive Council
Directive 98/83/EC
LIFESAVER jerrycan WHO compliance Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality First
Addendum 3rd Edition
Membrane approvals/compliances
CE, EPA, NSF, WHO, WRAS, DVGW, KIWA,
KTW
jerrycan storage capacity

18.5 litres approx (5 US gallons approx)

Warranty:

2 Year international limited warranty

Flow rates and capacity depend on the quality of the feed water

* After first use the product should be protected against freezing

18

LIFESAVER jerrycan comes with a 2 year international warranty from the

date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Should
your LIFESAVER jerrycan prove defective within 2 years from the date of
purchase you should return it to the retailer that you originally purchased
it from. LIFESAVER systems will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace
the damaged item(s).
You should ensure that you retain your proof of purchase showing the
date on which you purchased your LIFESAVER jerrycan. Without it
we are unable to offer warranty assistance. This International Limited
Warranty does not affect your statutory legal rights.

INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY

International Limited Warranty

Thanks again for purchasing LIFESAVER jerrycan. If you have any
questions relating to this or any other product in our range please
contact us via our website where we will be more than happy to help.

Contact LIFESAVER systems Ltd.

Customer Care
Hall Chase,
London Road,
Marks Tey,
Colchester,
Essex
CO6 1EH
Great Britain
www.lifesaversystems.com
[email protected]

19

DISCLAIMER:
The information and data contained in this document are based on our general experience
and are believed to be correct. They are given in good faith and are intended to provide a
guideline for the selection and use of our products. Since the conditions under which our product
may be used are beyond our control, this information does not imply any guarantee of final
product performance and we cannot accept any liability with respect to the use of our products.
The quality of our products is guaranteed under our conditions of sale. Existing industrial
property rights must be observed.

LIFESAVER, ANYWAY, LIFESAVER jerrycan, LIFESAVER cartridge 10,000UF, LIFESAVER cartridge

20,000UF, FOR A HOSTILE WORLD, FILLPUMPDRINK, Instructicons and FAILSAFE are all
either Registered or unregistered trademarks and are used under licence with the permission
of their owners. 2009/2010 LIFESAVER systems. All Rights Reserved. International Patents
granted and Pending. Including UK Patents: GB2443608 & GB2442113 Pending patent
applications: GB2454159, EP1979272, US 12,294426 (and others) EP1979272 GB2454159. All
details given on and in this manual are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. We
reserve the right to make improvements and/or modifications to the equipment herein.

V2.1