Packo (Jabsco) – Rotary lobe pump for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and premium food processing applications (55 Series & Ultima)
Packo Ultima pump (LU series) and series Packo 55 — two lobe pump series of the highest hygienic standard. Both are designed for Clean-in-Place (CIP), Sterilisation-in-Place (SIP), and aseptic operation.
The difference between them is in their purpose. The Ultima provides a flow rate of up to 40 m³/h at 15 bar. The 55 series delivers 4 m³/h, but maintains 20 bar and 1,500 rpm.
Steiner Ukraine supplies Packo equipment in Ukraine: process-specific selection, delivery, service, and spare parts.
What is the Packo Ultima pump and the 55 series?
Both series are rotary lobe pumps. The manufacturer positions them as equipment for processes where compromises on product purity are unacceptable.
Common features of the two series:
| Sign | Value |
|---|---|
| Details regarding the product | stainless steel 316L (1.4404) |
| Maximum viscosity | 1,000,000 cP |
| Compliance documents | EC 1935/2004, FDA, USP, EAC |
| Wash cycles | CIP and SIP |
| Design | dead-zone-free, external rotor mounting |
The manufacturer describes Ultima as follows: the series combines all the properties of the HP food-grade series (Hy~line +) with a higher level of CIP and SIP suitability and product purity.
Other equipment from this manufacturer can be found on the page Verder – Packo.
How does the 55 series differ from the Ultima?
These are two different pumps, not two versions of the same one. The choice between them is straightforward.
| Parameter | Ultima (LU) | Series 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum flow rate | 40 m³/h | 4 m³/h |
| Maximum differential pressure | 15 bar | 20 bar |
| Maximum engine speed | 1000 rpm | 1500 rpm |
| Maximum temperature | 140 °C | 140 °C (see note) |
| Maximum viscosity | 1,000,000 cP | 1,000,000 cP |
| Standard sizes | the manufacturer does not publish | 55/210, 55/320, 55/420 |
| Accession | see note | Tri-clamp to ASME BPE |
Selection rule: a flow rate of over 4 m³/h is required — that's Ultima. A pressure of over 15 bar or a Tri-clamp connection according to ASME BPE is required — that's the 55 series.
What technical parameters does the Packo Ultima pump have?
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Series designation | LU (formerly Jabsco Ultima) |
| Type | rotary lobe pump |
| Maximum flow rate | 40 m³/h |
| Maximum differential pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum viscosity | 1,000,000 cP |
| Maximum temperature | 140 °C |
| Maximum engine speed | 1000 rpm |
| Details regarding the product | 316L (1.4404) |
| Compliance documents | EC 1935/2004, FDA, USP, EAC |
In technological terms, Ultima matches the HP food series: the same 40 m³/h, 15 bar, 1,000,000 cP, 140 °C and 1000 rpm. What sets it apart is its level of cleanability, sterilisability and product purity.
What technical parameters does the Packo 55 series have?
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard sizes | 55/210, 55/320, 55/420 |
| Type | rotary lobe pump |
| Maximum flow rate | 4 m³/h |
| Maximum differential pressure | 20 bar |
| Maximum viscosity | 1,000,000 cP |
| Maximum temperature | 140 °C (see note) |
| Maximum engine speed | 1500 rpm |
| Details regarding the product | 316L (1.4404) |
| Treatment of wettable surfaces | polishing to 0.5 µm |
| Accession | Tri-clamp to ASME BPE |
| Gaskets | single or double end-face |
| Gasket materials | EPDM, FKM, PTFE |
| Compliance documents | EC 1935/2004, FDA, USP, EAC |
Options of the 55 series: heating jacket on the front cover and vapor barrier against bacterial penetration.
ASME BPE is an American standard for biopharmaceutical production equipment. Connections according to this standard mean that the pump is integrated into the pharmaceutical piping system without adapters.
What is an external rotor mount and what is it for?
In a standard lobe pump, the rotor is secured to the shaft by a nut or bolt on the product side. The fastener creates a cavity in which product becomes trapped.
In the 55 series, the rotor is fixed from the outside – on the gearbox side rather than the product side. The manufacturer explicitly calls this a dead zone-free design with external rotor fixing.
The practical consequence is singular: there is no place in the chamber where product residue survives the wash. For pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, this is a requirement of the cleaning validation protocol, not a convenience.
Polishing wettable surfaces to 0.5 µm works in the same direction. On such a surface, residues do not get trapped in micro-irregularities.
Why is the Packo Ultima pump suitable for SIP and asepsis?
CIP means cleaning in place, without dismantling. SIP means sterilisation in place with steam. Aseptic operation means that micro-organisms do not enter the product from the outside through detachable connections.
Three different requirements, and each is resolved separately.
| Requirement | How it was solved |
|---|---|
| CIP | stagnant-zone-free design, polished surface |
| SIP | materials and seals withstand steam treatment |
| Asepsis | vapour barrier on the joints and sealing of the front cover |
A steam barrier is the supply of steam into the cavity between the seals. The steam creates a zone through which microorganisms cannot pass. The manufacturer lists this option for the 55 series.
Why did the brand name change from Jabsco to Packo?
The Verder Group acquired Jabsco lobe pumps from Xylem in 2021. Packo is a hygienic pump brand within Verder Liquids, so production has been transferred to it.
During the transitional period, the equipment was branded as "Jabsco by Packo". From 15 June 2023, former Jabsco products are branded simply as Packo.
| Former designation | Current designation |
|---|---|
| Jabsco Ultima | Packo Ultima (LU series) |
| Jabsco HP | Packo HP |
The manufacturer points out separately: the pumps themselves have not changed. They are installed in existing systems and comply with previous specifications. That is, if you have a pump with a Jabsco nameplate at your production facility, spare parts and replacement are selected using the current Packo catalogue.
What needs to be specified in the selection request?
| Data | Why |
|---|---|
| Product and viscosity at operating temperature | Both series hold up to 1,000,000 cP |
| Flow rate, m³/h | Up to 4 — series 55, up to 40 — Ultima |
| Backpressure in the line | up to 15 bar — Ultima, up to 20 bar — 55 series |
| Product temperature | check up to 140 °C |
| Wash cycle | CIP, SIP or both |
| The need for asepsis | defines the vapour barrier |
| Connection type on the line | Series 55 — Tri-clamp to ASME BPE |
| Gasket material | EPDM, FKM or PTFE |
| Need for lid heating | 55 series option |
Frequently asked questions about the Packo Ultima pump
What does Ultima mean in Packo designation?
This is the LU series. It was previously called Jabsco Ultima. Since 15 June 2023, the manufacturer has branded it as Packo Ultima.
What is the maximum feed rate of the Ultima?
40 m³/h
What is the maximum pressure?
Ultima — 15 bar. Series 55 — 20 bar.
How many standard sizes are there in the 55 series?
Three: 55/210, 55/320, 55/420.
What is the maximum viscosity?
1,000,000 cP in both series. This is the upper limit of the Packo lobe pump range.
Can these pumps withstand steam sterilisation?
Right. The manufacturer explicitly states CIP, SIP and aseptic operation for both series.
What are the benefits of an external rotor mounting?
It removes a cavity on the product side where residue gets trapped. This is a requirement for cleaning validation in pharmaceuticals.
What is the surface roughness?
The Series 55 data sheet specifies polishing of wetted surfaces to 0.5 µm.
What are the connections in the 55 series?
Tri-clamp according to ASME BPE standard.
Will the Jabsco Ultima pump be suitable as a replacement?
This is the same pump under its previous name. The manufacturer states that the equipment has not changed and fits into existing systems and specifications.
Enquiry for selection and price via ContactsOther equipment from the manufacturer — Verder – PackoPump of the same process limits, but without the aseptic level — HP / LH HyLineRelated sections: Pumps for food production, Industrial pumps, Spare parts.
