Cremation is the process of final disposition of the body in which the body is exposed to extreme heat, usually 1800 - 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more. The body is reduced to its basic elements through this process, referred to as cremated remains. Cremation is carried out at a 'Crematorium' in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. Bone fragments remain after this process and they are then mechanically processed to form ashes. After preparation, the fragments are placed in a temporary container that is suitable for transport. Depending upon the size of the body, there are nomally three to nine pounds of fragments resulting.

A complete cremation is a two-step process. Firstly, the deceased is exposed to several hours of intense heat and flame; after which the remains are mostly ash except for certain bone fragments, then the entire remaining ash and fragment volume is gathered and run through a processor, creating a uniform powder-like texture.

Crematorium Preparations

The place where the cremation takes place is called crematorium. The crematorium consists of one or more ovens or furnaces and facilities for handling of the ashes.
The furnaces use a number of different fuel sources, such as natural or propane gas. Modern cremation furnaces include control systems that monitor the conditions inside the furnace while a cremation is taking place. The operator can make adjustments to provide for more efficient burning, as well as ensuring that minimal environmental pollution occurs.
At the moment of death, professional staff will arrive and transport the loved one to their cremation facility. A mandated 24 to 48 hour "waiting period" is usually a required until the cremation can be performed; the loved is protected in a temperature controlled refrigeration unit until the cremation can be performed.

Body Container

To begin the cremation process, the human remains and the cremation container are placed in the cremation chamber.

This can be e a simple corrugated cardboard box or a wooden casket. Many caskets that are comprised of combustible materials also contain some exterior parts (decorative handles or rails) that are not combustible and that may cause damage to the cremation equipment. The crematory will remove these noncombustible materials prior to cremation and discard them with similar materials from other cremations and other refuse in a non-recoverable manner.

Most crematories will not cremate caskets or containers made of certain plastics, fiberglass or any materials such as metal or other materials, that are not entirely combustible.

Burning and Ashes Collection

Due to the nature of the cremation process, any personal possessions or valuable materials, such as dental gold or jewelry (as well as any body prosthesis or dental bridgework), that are left with the decedent and not removed from the casket or container prior to cremation will be destroyed.

The next step is placing the casket/container into the cremation chamber or retort where it is subjected to intense heat and flame at a temperature of 760 to 1150 °C (1400 to 2100 °F). While the cremation is taking place, it may be necessary to open the cremation chamber and reposition the deceased in order to facilitate a complete and thorough cremation. In this process, a large part of the body (especially the organs) and other soft tissue is vaporized due to the heat and is discharged through the exhaust system.

All that remains after cremation are bone fragments, representing about five percent of the body's original mass, and the ashes of the cardboard box or wooden container. Some metal may also stay behind (including dental gold and silver and other non -human material) as the temperature is not sufficient to consume them. The entire process usually takes about two hours.

Delivery of Remains

The cremated remains will be swept into a temporary container after completion of the actual cremation process.

The crematory makes a reasonable effort to remove all of the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, but it is impossible to remove all of them, as some dust and other residue from the process might be left behind. All noncombustible materials such as bridgework, hinges from the casket, etc. will be separated from the cremated remains.

When the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, the skeletal remains often contain bone fragments. Unless otherwise specified, the bone fragments will be mechanically processed (pulverized). Cremated remains are returned to the next of kin in a rectangular plastic container, contained within a further cardboard box or velvet sack. An official certificate of cremation prepared under the authority of the crematorium accompanies the remains. They can also be placed in an urn. The crematory will make a reasonable effort to put all of the cremated remains into one urn or designated container. In the event the urn or container provided is too small to accommodate all of the cremated remains, the excess will be placed in a separate receptacle and the two receptacles will be kept together and handled according to the disposition instructions by the authorizing agent(s).