1. Continuous Operation: Vertical cookers are designed for continuous operation, making them suitable for medium to large-scale oil processing plants. They can handle large capacities while occupying relatively small space.
2. Heating Mechanism: The cookers use steam as the heat source. Each layer of the cooker has a steam jacket where indirect steam heats the materials.
3. Layered Structure: Typically, vertical cookers consist of 3 to 5 layers, each equipped with stirring devices to ensure uniform cooking. The layers are designed to allow for the gradual movement of materials from the top to the bottom, ensuring thorough cooking and moisture control.
4. Material Handling: The cookers are equipped with automatic charging and discharging systems. Each layer has access doors for maintenance, and the discharge gates can be automated or manually operated.
5. Temperature and Moisture Control: The temperature and moisture levels are easily adjustable, with each layer having its own steam control valves and vapor exhaust devices to eliminate evaporated water.
6. Versatility: Vertical cookers can process a variety of oilseeds, including peanuts, sesame, copra, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, cottonseed, camellia seed, soybean, and corn germ.