A rendering plant uses material handling and conveying equipment to separate animal fat from protein and bone to create new materials, including lard. The guide below provides an overview of some of the machines used in the rendering process. If you run a plant, use this information to find the right tools for your facility.

A Guide to Material Handling & Conveying Equipment in Rendering Plants

1. Pre-Breakers

Using anvils that rotate through parallel bars, pre-breakers reduce whole carcasses into smaller uniform pieces that are more manageable. They also filter out foreign particles, including metal. These machines are used at the start of the rendering process, preparing materials for the devices mentioned below. 

Inconsistent particle size is a common problem with these machines. Pick an option that provides high torque and slow speeds for more consistency and cutting power.

2. Driers

Carcasses contain so much solid protein and moisture that cookers alone cannot effectively eliminate enough water to prepare materials for the market. Even dry-rendering cookers cannot extract sufficient moisture. 

As such, the protein must pass through drying equipment. Advancements in dehydration techniques have allowed for incredibly efficient driers. To save energy and money, pick a model that recycles heated air. Some units reuse as much as 60% of the air produced.

3. Shaftless Screw Conveyors 

KWS Shaftless screw conveyors are typically used for food processing because they can handle sticky and bulky materials that slow down belts.

These highly efficient conveyors won’t clog when processing even dense tissues with high moisture content. They’re also available in a broad range of configurations, giving you flexibility when adding equipment to an existing facility. Pick varieties with stainless steel ribbon screws that can release any buildup. For any engineered conveying solutions speak with a KWS expert in rendering. 

When your rendering plant needs new material handling and conveying equipment, turn to Industrial Component Sales, Inc. of Hudson, WI. With offices in Bemidji, MN, Delavan, WI, and Lincoln, NE, they’ve supplied durable equipment to those in the agriculture, aggregate, and oil industries since 2000. They carry products from top manufacturers, including Senqcia®, Zero-Max®, OEM International®, and MasterDrive®. Learn more about the markets they serve by visiting their website, or call (651) 270-0151 to request a quote.