Chalandri Funeral Home

The cremation process is a method of disposing of the body of a deceased person that involves the use of high temperatures to reduce the body to its basic elements. This process usually takes place in a special facility called a crematorium.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how the cremation process works:

1. Preparation: Before placing the body in the cremation chamber, any non-flammable items such as pacemakers or jewelry are removed. The corpse is also tagged with an identification tag to ensure proper identification throughout the process.

2. Placement: The body is then placed inside a cremation container, which is usually made of wood or cardboard. This container helps facilitate the cremation process and protects the body during cremation.

3. Cremation: Once the body is inside the cremation chamber, it is subjected to intense heat, usually between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat is produced by gas or propane burners located at the bottom of the chamber. The intense heat causes the body to undergo a process called pyrolysis, in which it is reduced to its basic elements, mainly bone fragments and ashes.

4. Cooling: After the cremation process is completed, the remains are allowed to cool for some time. The cooling process can be assisted by the use of water or other cooling media.

5. Processing: Once the remains have cooled, they are carefully processed to remove any remaining metal fragments, such as dental fillings or surgical implants. The bone fragments are then ground into a fine powder known as crematine.

6. Collection: The cremations are placed in a temporary container, such as an urn, or in a permanent container chosen by the family. The family can then decide what to do with the cremains, such as scattering them at a significant location or keeping them in a memorial.

It is important to note that the cremation process varies slightly depending on the crematorium and local regulations. However, the general principles remain the same.

In an incinerator, temperatures can reach extremely high levels, typically ranging from 800 to 1,200 degrees Celsius (1,472 to 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit). These high temperatures are necessary for the efficient breakdown and combustion of waste.

The primary purpose of an incinerator is to burn waste in a controlled environment, ensuring the complete destruction of potentially hazardous substances. By exposing the waste to such high temperatures, the organic compounds are chemically decomposed and the resulting gases are burned.

To put this in perspective, temperatures in an incinerator can be higher than the surface of the lava, which typically ranges from 700 to 1,200 degrees Celsius (1,292 to 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit).

It is important to note that different types of waste may require different temperature settings to achieve optimal incineration. For example, medical waste or certain hazardous materials may need higher temperatures to ensure complete destruction. On the other hand, municipal solid waste may require lower temperatures to maintain efficient combustion while minimizing the release of harmful pollutants.

Overall, the specific temperatures achieved in an incineration chamber depend on a number of factors, including the type of waste being incinerated, the design and operation of the chamber, and any regulatory requirements that must be met.

After the cremation process, bone fragments, also known as cremated remains or ashes, are collected and processed to ensure they are suitable for handling, storage and transport. Specific procedures may vary by crematorium and local regulations, but generally the following steps are followed:

1. Cooling: Once cremation is complete, the remains are allowed to cool naturally for some time. This helps to avoid possible damage to equipment or personnel during the subsequent handling process.

2. Removal: After cooling, the remains are carefully removed from the cremation chamber using specialized tools such as brushes and metal rakes. The aim is to collect as many of the bone fragments as possible, ensuring that they are free of any unburnt material.

3. Grinding: The collected bone fragments are then processed through a machine called an incinerator or bone grinder. This machine pulverizes the fragments into a fine powder-like consistency. The process usually takes several minutes to ensure proper processing of the remains.

4. Sieving: To ensure uniformity and remove any larger fragments, pulverized remains are usually passed through a sieve. This helps achieve uniform texture and size throughout the cremated remains.

5. Packaging: Once the remains have been processed and sifted, they are carefully placed in an urn or container of the family's choosing or as directed by the family. This allows for safe and dignified storage or transport.

It is important to note that the entire process is conducted with utmost care, respect and professionalism to honor the deceased. Crematoria follow strict guidelines and protocols to ensure that the identity and integrity of remains are maintained throughout the process.