How is cremation accomplished?
The enclosed body is placed in the cremation chamber where through heat and evaporation the body is reduced to its basic elements, which are referred to as cremated remains. It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result since cremated remains have neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ashes – they are, in fact, bone fragments. After preparation, these elements are either placed in a permanent urn or in a temporary container that is suitable for transport. Depending upon the size of the body, there are normally three to nine pounds of fragments resulting . Some crematories process the cremated remains, thereby reducing the space they require. Others do not alter their condition after they are removed from the chamber.
A pet’s body is placed in the cremation chamber where through heat and evaporation, the body is reduced to its basic elements, which then are referred to as “cremated remains.” It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result since “cremated remains” have neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ashes – they are, in fact, bone fragments. Since the term “cremains” is little used by the public, most people refer to the “cremated remains” as “ashes.” Following preparation, the ashes are placed in a permanent pet urn or in a temporary container, suitable for transport.
There are basically four steps to complete the cremation process. The first step is to pre-heat the cremation chamber. Once the cremation chamber is heated, the encased body is placed into the chamber. After the cremation occurs there is a period of time which is allowed for the unit to cool down. It takes approximately 4-1/2 hours to complete the cremation process including pre-heating, cremation and cool-down. An additional 45 minutes is needed for the remains to be packaged. What do the remains look like? Many people believe that remains look like ash from a fireplace, however this belief is untrue. The remains do not have the chemical properties nor the physical appearance of ashes, they are in fact bone fragment. During the cremation process the water from the body, which makes up about 75% of body mass, is evaporated. Fragments of bone are all that remain. Typically the amount of remains can fit into a container similar in size to a three pound coffee can.
The enclosed body is placed in the cremation chamber, where through heat and evaporation it is reduced to its basic elements, which are referred to as cremated remains. It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result, since cremated remains have neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ashes–they are, in fact, bone fragments. After preparation, these elements are either placed in a permanent urn or in a temporary container that’s suitable for transport. Depending upon the size of the body, there are normally three to nine pounds of fragments resulting. Some crematories process the cremated remains, thereby reducing the space they require. Others do not alter their condition after they are removed from the chamber.
