The length of time it takes to cremate a body in a crematorium can vary depending on a few factors, including the size and weight of the body, the type of cremation container used, and the capacity of the crematory and oven.
Generally, it takes anywhere from two to five hours to complete the cremation process. First, the body is identified, the coffin is placed into the cremator, the cremator is preheated to a temperature of about 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cremation cycle begins.
The entire process may take up to three hours. After the cycle is completed and the cremated remains are cool enough to handle, they are then put through a machine designed to separate any metal or other materials from the ashes.
This process can take up to two additional hours. In total, cremation with complete processing of the remains may take four to five hours.
Which part of the body does not burn during cremation?
During the cremation process, the body is exposed to high temperatures of up to 1,800°F and all the organic matter is reduced to its basic elements. While the body is completely consumed, certain parts of the body, such as the skeletal remains, dental fillings and joint implants remain.
These elements are composed of non-combustible materials such as metals and other inorganic matter that do not burn during cremation.
The bones are harvested from the cremation chamber, after which they are processed into “ashes” in a machine called a cremulator. This usually involves removing any foreign objects, such as metal screws and pins, and pulverizing the bones into an extremely fine powder.
This powder, referred to as cremated remains, is what is typically placed in an urn and returned to the family.
In addition to the remains of the bones, other materials that do not burn during cremation include pacemakers and other artificial implants, bridge work and dental implants. These materials are recovered from the cremation chamber before the cremulator process, and they may be hand sorted to remove any materials that may otherwise disrupt the cremulator.
The materials are then returned to the family with the cremated remains as a way of further honoring the decedent.
Do teeth burn in cremation?
No, teeth do not burn in cremation. During the cremation process, a body is exposed to extremely high temperatures of 1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the soft tissue in the body is completely destroyed by these temperatures.
However, teeth, even though they are made up largely of soft tissue, do not burn. Tri-calcium phosphate, a substance found in the human bones, has such a high melting point (approximately 3500 degrees Fahrenheit), that even at the extremely high heat of cremation, it is not affected.
This is why after a cremation people often find fragments of bone and small fragments of teeth, all of which are impossible to burn and remain intact.
Does the body scream during cremation?
No, the body does not scream during cremation. Cremation is a process that involves burning a body in a specially designed chamber at very high temperatures. During the process, the body undergoes chemical and physical decomposition which happens very quickly, generally within two to three hours.
This process does not produce any sound, so no screaming can be heard during cremation.
What body part survives cremation?
Most body parts will survive cremation, as the process involves burning at very high temperatures. Cremated remains are composed mainly of bone fragments and ash. The most durable parts of the body, such as skull fragments and teeth, bone fragments such as hip bones and vertebrae, and metal items such as joint replacements and dental prostheses, are resistant to the high temperatures and will remain after cremation.
Other parts of the body, such as organs and soft tissues, are destroyed during cremation. In some cases, small fragments of soft tissues can also remain, although these are usually unrecognizable.
For situations where it is important for a body part to remain intact (such as for religious reasons or for medical procedures involving an organ transplant or an autopsy), the body will not be cremated.
Do morticians remove the brain?
In most cases, morticians do not remove the brain when embalming a body. Removing the brain is a very involved process, and it is typically not necessary in the embalming process. The brain requires time-consuming procedures for removal, and skilled knowledge to ensure proper removal.
The process often necessitates special tools as well. When the brain is removed, it is typically replaced with cotton or other stuffing material. Morticians are trained to embalm a body and prepare it for viewing or burial without removing the brain.
Do you go to heaven if you are cremated?
No, cremation does not guarantee you will go to heaven. Whether or not someone goes to heaven is determined by a relationship with God that is formed through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Going through a cremation does not play any role in a person’s eternity.
While occasionally, some religious traditions may advocate for cremation as the preferred method of burial, it does not influence their fate in heaven one way or the other.
Does the brain liquify after death?
No, the brain does not liquify after death, although it will eventually decompose over time. Immediately after death, the brain quickly changes in complexity and structure and begins to swell, which can cause shifts in the skull.
Eventually, the brain will become emaciated and much softer as it begins to break down–testing done postmortem has found that brain proteins degenerate more quickly than most other proteins in the body.
Additionally, due to a decrease in circulation after death, the brain begins to lose its oxygen supply; this is called anoxia, which can have a drastic effect on the brain’s structure and cell death.
Ultimately, the brain will degrade, with potential for partial liquification of its tissue, however, it does not occur immediately.
Do morticians sew mouths shut?
No, morticians do not sew mouths shut. Instead, the mouth can be closed with mortuary glue or by suturing the lips together. Additionally, morticians may use jaw separators to give the illusion of a closed mouth.
This technique is particularly helpful for those who die with their mouth open. In some cases, a prior suture may need to be undone and the jaw secured in place before the mortician is able to use the jaw separators and provide a more natural-looking appearance.
After the mouth is closed, additional work may need to be done to make the lips look more natural. This can involve using dental wax or wax ropes to help shape the lips and move them into the desired position.
Additionally, morticians may use a special type of wax known as mortuary wax to fill any creases in the cheeks or hollows in the face to create the desired facial expression.
How quickly can someone be cremated?
The length of time that it takes to cremate a person varies depending on the type of cremation that is being performed. Typically, a traditional cremation with a coffin and a funeral service will take about two to three hours from the time the body is placed in the cremation chamber.
If a direct cremation is requested (where there is no funeral service), the total time can be reduced to one hour. This can vary depending on the size and weight of the deceased, as well as the type of crematorium and equipment being used.
Some states also have laws that require that the cremation process is completed as soon as reasonably possible after the death has occurred. This is to ensure that the remains are properly handled and treated with respect.
In general, if a direct cremation is requested and there are no legal complications or delays, it should take no more than 48 hours for the cremation to be completed.
What is removed from a body before cremation?
Before a body is cremated, most of the medical devices and implants are removed, such as pacemakers and joint replacements, as these can be hazardous when exposed to the high temperature of cremation.
Additionally, any clothing that the deceased was wearing, and any jewelry, will also be removed. Some crematoria can provide families the opportunity to witness the removal of any items from the deceased.
It is important to remember that once the items have been removed, they will not be returned, as any remnants will have been vaporized. The body is then placed into a container, typically a coffin, and is taken to the crematorium.
How many bodies are cremated at once?
The number of bodies that can be cremated at once will vary depending on the crematorium and its capabilities. Generally, large commercial cremation units are designed for larger capacity and can accommodate multiple cremations at one time.
A unit or retort (the chamber the body is placed in) may range in size, with some able to hold a single body, while others having room for up to three bodies. In some cases, two adjacent retorts may be cremated at the same time, allowing for the potential cremation of four bodies at once.
Due to the weight of each body and the heat load within the retort, it is necessary to limit the number of cremations to stay within the parameters of the crematorium’s capacity.
It is also important to note that some states, counties, and religious denominations have laws, rules and regulations governing the number of cremations that may be conducted simultaneously. It is always the responsibility of the cremation provider to stay in compliance with both state and local laws.
Why do you have to wait 3 days to cremate a body?
The waiting period of three days is also known as the “decomposition waiting period”. It is a state mandated law that requires any individual who has died to wait a minimum of three days before cremation can take place.
This waiting period exists to comply with rules set by the state which require all deaths to be investigated by a doctor and all death certificates to be signed by an appointed medical professional.
The waiting period allows for these officials to arrive at a location of death to assess the body, look for any potential foul play and ensure an appropriate cause of death is recorded on the death certificate.
This investigation can take some time, so the 3-day waiting period allows appropriate investigation of the person’s death.
The three-day waiting period also gives the family of the deceased time to begin arrangements, plan mourners and arrange a funeral service — if desired. This is especially important for families who do not want a cremation to happen directly after death occurs.
In addition to that, the three days are a way of allowing the family of the deceased to have a few days to fully process the death and begin to grieve without the need for such a tragic event to be quickly completed.
All in all, the 3-day waiting period for cremating a body is an important part of the death process, providing time for a medical official to assess the body and provide a proper cause of death, as well as allowing the family and friends of the deceased time to mentally process the death and begin making appropriate arrangements for a memorial or funeral service.
Do they remove eyes before cremation?
No, eyes are not typically removed before cremation; however, some funeral homes may remove them if they are deemed necessary due to certain medical conditions. In some cases, certain medical conditions can cause the eyes to bulge out and this can cause a safety concern.
In rare cases, funeral homes may suggest having the eyes removed so that there is not a disruption in the cremation process. It is important to note, however, that this is not a common practice and should only be done if absolutely necessary.
Additionally, most funeral homes have special procedures in place to ensure all body parts are respected and not disturbed during the cremation process.
Do bodies have clothes on when cremated?
No, bodies do not have clothes on when cremated. This is because any clothing will be completely destroyed by the intense heat of the cremation chamber and would likely contaminate the crematory equipment if left on.
Most funeral homes provide a light cloth to cover the body of the deceased in the cremation chamber. This is usually done to provide dignity to the deceased during the cremation process and to keep the level of potential contamination to a minimum.
In some religions or cultures, a special ceremonial dress or headgear may be provided and allowed to remain on the deceased during the cremation process.