Since the 1960, continuous rendering systems have been installed to replace batch systems at
some plants. Figure 9.5.3-2 shows the basic inedible rendering process using the continuous process.
The system is similar to a batch system except that a single, continuous cooker is used rather than several parallel batch cookers. A typical continuous cooker is a horizontal, steam-jacketed cylindrical vessel equipped with a mechanism that continuously moves the material horizontally through the cooker. Continuous cookers cook the material faster than batch cookers, and typically produce a higher quality fat product. From the cooker, the material is discharged to the drainer, which serves the same function as the percolator drain pan in the batch process. The remaining operations are generally the same as the batch process operations.