The invention relates to a central screen element being located substantially parallel with the vertical axis of a pulp digester. In the vertical direction, the screen element comprises at least one zone including one screen segment for removing a liquid stream from the digester and at least one outlet for introducing a liquid stream to the digester. The zones may be adjacent or separated and by means of these, liquid streams may be independently removed and introduced, as required by the properties and the stage of the cooking process. A screen element according to the invention may be used in both continuous and batch digesters.