One benefit of our website is that we can answer questions that sometimes people are too uncomfortable to ask in person. For example, many are curious about the crematory process. Therefore, this article will give you a quick overview of the cremation process without including details that might make the average person uncomfortable.
How Does Cremation Work?
The definition of cremation teaches you the basics of the process. Cremation is defined as “the process of reducing a dead body to mostly tiny bits of bone resembling ash that involves exposing the body to flame and intense heat followed by pulverization of bone fragments.”
Now that you understand how cremation works let’s discuss the basic steps of the process.
Before Cremation: The Transfer of the Body
At the time of death, call the cremation provider or the funeral home. (Smart Cremation offers direct cremation services for most residents of California, Arizona, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Florida, and Nevada).
The call can be made any time of day or night. A professional will arrive and will remove the body from the place of death to the cremation center.
Crematorium Process: The Preparation of the Body
Embalming is not required for cremation. However, the body needs to be prepared before it is placed in the cremation chambers.
Jewelry, medical devices, and other non-combustible items are removed before cremation. The body is typically cremated in the clothes worn at the time of death. Finally, the body is placed in a dignified fiberboard container, which looks like a rigid, combustible casket.
How Does a Crematorium Work?
Before we continue our discussion about the cremation process, we at Smart Cremation would like to tell you about our Smart Assurance Identification System. Our process is designed to ensure that your loved one’s identification is monitored throughout the entire process.
After we take several steps to confirm the identity of your loved one, the container is placed in the retort, which is the chamber where the cremation takes place. The cremation chamber measures between 1400 to 2100 degrees and the soft tissue of the body during the crematory process is vaporized and oxidized by the intense heat. The cremation process time varies, but it is typically between two to four hours.
Although many people refer to the remains as “ashes,” the result of cremation is really tiny bits of bones. The remaining segments are pulverized to resemble coarse sand.
Crematory Process: Returning the Remains to the Family or Scattering at Sea
Once the cremation process is complete, the cremains will be returned to the registered family representative. When working with Smart Cremation, families can also opt for a dignified scattering at sea.
Cremation is a Dignified Alternative to a Traditional Funeral Home
Now that you understand the answer to the question, “how does a crematory work?” you may be ready to learn more about the services we provide. Please fill out this contact form to receive a free pre-planning guide. For answers to additional questions about the cremation process, call (503) 402-2578.
