To provide a method for continuously producing kraft pulp, which is especially well suited for modifying existing pulp digesters without the need for incorporating additional liquor extraction screens.

This method for continuously producing kraft pulp comprises (a) a step for passing a slurry of wood chips and liquor in a digester sequentially through a screen set which includes first and second screen assemblies longitudinally spaced apart one another by a distance which is greater than a diameter of the digester, (b) a step for extracting liquor from the first screen assembly of the set without recirculation to the digester to a location above the first assembly, while simultaneously (c) a step for extracting liquor from the second assembly of the set and recirculating at least a portion of the extracted liquor from the second screen assembly to a discharge location within the digester which is above the second screen assembly and spaced below the first screen assembly by a distance which is less than one-half the digester diameter.