Processing Cremated Remains

Processing Cremated Remains

cremation processor machine

“Ashes to ashes and dust to dust.” This a phrase commonly said during Christian funerals. It means from dust are we risen, and to dust, we must return. Commonly said during funeral services, it holds the meaning that helps families get on with the loss of their loved ones.

Prior to our death, we can choose and let our loved ones know whether we want to be buried, or cremated.

Cremation is the thermal process whereby the human remains are reduced to fragments of bone and other mineral content, through the process of combustion and oxidation in a cremation processor machine. Since the human body is mostly composed of carbon content, the gases given off are mostly CO2. The machine used is called a cremator, and it can reach temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The machine is freed by either propane gas, or gas.

Types of Cremation

There are two main types of cremation used in North America:

Thermal cremation. (using Heat)
Alkaline hydrolysis. (using Water)

Body Preparation

Before the body of the deceased is cremated, several preparations have to be made prior to the cremation process. Any (all) items are removed that the family doesn’t want to be cremated, for example, jewelry, pacemaker, or dental fillings.

The body is then transferred to a casket which is to be cremated along with the deceased’s body using the cremation processor machine. The caskets used are made of a combustible substance like wood.

The Process

After the body is prepared, it is transferred into a combustible casket and placed in the cremation processor machine. The furnace chamber is lined with fire-resistant bricks on the walls and ceilings, to ensure full quality burning.

The operator then starts the crematory process, and after he has made sure that the temperature is well beyond incinerating temperature, the cremation starts. Temperatures go beyond 1800-2000 degrees F. It normally takes well up to 2 hours for the whole body to be cremated.

The Ashes

After the process of incineration is complete, the ashes are cooled down. Any metal content is removed. The bone fragments that are left behind are then placed in a processor called cremation processor machine, which converts any left bony fragments into a fine powder, called ashes or cremains.

These ashes are then transferred onto a plastic container, with the name tag of the individual so that they don’t get mixed up with the wrong set.

At this point, the ashes can be handed over to the family.