Animal by-products rendering process

April 9, 2011

The production process of an animal by-product rendering plant can be allocated in the 5 following stages. The final fat product after proper treatment can be used for biodiesel production, or can be led directly as fuel in a combustion engine.

A. Unit of raw material supply

The raw material (animal by-products - ABP) from the cooling chamber that is stored, is heading towards the production process. Usually the facility is characterized by a form of double door to provide an odor lock to prevent the release of odors during unloading operations. Animal by-products are within cooling chamber at a suitable temperature until they can remain unchanged until the final edit. Usually we found ABP in boxes which have distinctive colors and depending on ABP category, in accordance with Regulation 1069/2009 of the European Parliament for animal by-products. Also, compliance with this regulation requires the raw material to be accompanied by official records of its kind, when received and when processed.

 

B. Unit of reducing the size of raw material

Raw material needs to be pulped in order to be processed in the rendering unit. By mashing we achieve a uniform particle size distribution of raw mass, resulting in the extraction of fat from it and the heat transfer to the mass to be easier and more efficient.

C. Preheating and heating unit of raw material

Raw material is fed then to an intermediate tank. The intermediate tank with an integrated pump to ensure the smooth supply of segmented raw material within the heating unit. The purpose of the heating of the raw material is the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, but also to facilitate the degradation of cellular links and the release of fat from them. The residence time, combined with the pressure and the specific temperature will reach the necessary sterilization of raw material.

D. Separation of the solid/liquid fraction

The rendering mass is being driven to the decanter where the liquid fraction is separated from the solid fraction. The solid fraction mainly contains the protein mass of tissue contained in the raw material, whiles the liquid fraction of the fat content, tissue water and concentrates the steam used for heating. Finally, the solid fraction can go for further processing meat meal or landfill.

E. Separation of the fat

After leaving the decanter, the liquid fraction consisting mainly of fat and water lead to an intermediate storage container in order to separate the pure fat to be separated the use of the centrifugal separator is required. Hence the centrifugal separator shall separate the liquid fraction in fat, wastewater and sludge. In conclusion, using a pump the fat will be stored in the storage tank.

The final fat after treatment in the laboratory of the unit can be driven for biodiesel production, or can go directly as fuel in a combustion unit.

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