How is a body cremated?

The process of cremation involves reducing a human body to its essential mineral components through intense heat. Here are the general steps of how a body is cremated:

1. Preparation:

- The body is first prepared for cremation by removing any medical devices or implants that may pose a safety hazard during the process.

- Personal items such as clothing and jewelry are removed and returned to the family or according to the deceased's wishes.

- The body may be embalmed or refrigerated (if there's a delay before cremation) to preserve it.

2. Placement:

- Once the body is ready, it is placed in a cremation container or casket designed to withstand high temperatures.

- The container is typically made of combustible materials such as wood, cardboard, or fiberboard.

3. Transportation:

- The cremation container is transported to the crematory, which is a facility specifically designed for cremation.

4. Cremation:

- Inside the crematory, the cremation container is placed in a cremation chamber or retort, which is a furnace designed for extremely high temperatures.

- The chamber is heated to temperatures ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (760 to 1,090 degrees Celsius).

- The intense heat causes the body's organic matter (including water, tissues, and organs) to be vaporized and broken down into gases, while the bone fragments are reduced to mineral ash.

5. Cooling:

- After the cremation process, the chamber is allowed to cool down.

6. Processing:

- Once the cremator cools, the remains are swept from the chamber and are carefully pulverized into a fine powder using a mechanical device called a cremulator or bone processor.

- This process ensures that the remains are consistent and can be easily placed into an urn.

7. Collection and Storage:

- The cremated remains, known as cremains or ashes, are collected and stored in a temporary container.

- From here, they can be placed in a chosen urn or container for final placement or burial, according to the family's wishes and preferences.

It's important to note that the specific procedures for cremation may vary slightly depending on the crematory and local regulations.