What is a cremation oven?
A cremation oven, also known as a cremator or a retort, is a specialized furnace used for the process of cremation. These ovens are designed to safely and efficiently reduce a deceased body to its basic elements, primarily bone fragments, through the application of intense heat.
How does the cremation process begin?
Once the deceased body is received at the crematorium, it undergoes careful documentation and identification. Following this, any non-combustible materials are removed from the body, such as pacemakers or prosthetic devices, to prevent potential hazards during the cremation process.
What happens inside the cremation oven?
The cremation oven typically consists of a primary combustion chamber and a secondary afterburner. The body is placed inside the primary combustion chamber, where it is exposed to temperatures ranging from 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat initiates the combustion process, and any remaining flesh, organs, and soft tissues are vaporized and oxidized.
What remains after the combustion process?
Once the combustion process is complete, what remains inside the cremation oven are the bone fragments, commonly known as cremated remains or ashes. These bone fragments are then carefully gathered and pulverized to achieve a finer texture, resembling sand or gravel.
How are the ashes collected?
The ashes are carefully collected from the cremation oven and transferred to a cooling chamber. Here, any remaining fragments are allowed to cool before being processed. Once cooled, the bone fragments are passed through a machine that further pulverizes them into a uniform texture.
What happens to the ashes after the process?
Following the final processing, the ashes are placed in a container, usually an urn, and returned to the family or loved ones of the deceased. The family can then choose to keep the ashes or scatter them in a place of significance.
Are cremation ovens environmentally friendly?
Cremation ovens have undergone significant advancements in recent years to minimize their environmental impact. These advancements include the use of filters to reduce emissions and the utilization of energy-efficient technologies to streamline the process. While some emissions are still produced during the cremation process, crematoriums are required to follow strict regulations to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
- Cremation ovens, also known as cremators or retorts, are specialized furnaces used in the cremation process.
- The process begins with careful documentation, identification, and removal of non-combustible items from the deceased body.
- The body is placed inside the cremation oven, where it undergoes combustion at high temperatures.
- After the combustion process, what remains are bone fragments, which are pulverized into a finer texture.
- The ashes are then placed in a container and returned to the family or loved ones of the deceased.
- Cremation ovens have become more environmentally friendly with the use of filters and energy-efficient technologies.
By understanding the process behind cremation ovens, one can gain a deeper appreciation for this well-established practice. While the topic of cremation may be difficult for some, it is important to approach it with knowledge and understanding.
Remember, this guide aims to provide you with general information about cremation ovens. Always consult with professionals in the funeral industry for specific and accurate details related to the cremation process.