Today, cremation remains the most popular choice for disposing of human remains among Americans. Affordability, simplicity, low-fuss, and flexibility are some of the reasons behind its growing popularity. However, despite its rise in popularity, many people don’t know what it is and how it works. So, if you’re not well-versed with cremation, worry no more as this article seeks to elaborate more on what cremation entails and the processes involved.
What Is Cremation?
Cremation is a process that reduces a body to basic components and breaks bones into small pieces through incineration at extreme temperatures. The temperatures applied in this process are incredibly high as they range from 760 to 980 degrees Celsius. This is carried out in a mainly designed chamber, formally known as a retort, set up solely for human cremation. This process takes place in a crematorium. Cremation at California Cremation Centers occurs at San Bernardino Crematorium with strict adherence to all state laws and regulations.
How Cremation Works
The Initial Steps
Before anything else, the body is checked for any medical or metal devices contained in it. This process is carried out before the body is taken to the crematorium. Since temperatures are incredibly high, there is a likelihood that some devices or metals could result in dangerous reactions. The most typical pieces of stuff that directors and staff at California Cremation Centers remove before a body is placed into the retort are:
Jewelry: Undoubtedly, substances or accessories made of jewelry such as watches need to be taken away from the body before cremation as they break down when subjected to heat.
Pacemakers: Pacemakers need to be taken away from the body due to their explosive nature when exposed to heat. Surgical implants should be removed as well, as they are likely to cause a similar reaction. Therefore, funeral directors need to be well-skilled in cremation safety.
The Cremation Process
The following step involves placing the body into a container or casket based on the deceased’s wishes. The retort is heated beforehand, and the body is moved using a mechanized door. When the process begins, the body is subjected to a column of flames so as to incinerate it. Since that body contains a lot of water, more of it is driven away through vaporization and changes into smoke that is processed at the inner surface of retort. The process lasts for 3-4 hours based on retort temperatures and the body’s weight. Upon completing this step, the cremated bones will be released from the retort and then undergo further processing.
What transpires after the process is completed?
The bones that emerge from the retort are often extremely big for further processing; hence, they are crushed into tiny pieces by a cremation professional. The crematory remnants are then deposited into a tray and are left for close to two hours to cool off. When metal parts of the casket went unnoticed during the initial stage, funeral directors at California Cremation Centers will store or discard them in strict compliance with state rules and regulations. The following step involves depositing remains into a device known as a cremulator. Cremulators grind the cremated remains into smaller particles that are white or grey. Ultimately, the cremated remains are emptied into an urn or container and handed over to the family.