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Cremation |
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Cremation is the practice of disposing of a human corpse by burning
which often takes place in a crematorium or crematory. Cremation is an
increasingly popular alternative for the final disposition of the dead
at a funeral.
The place where the cremation takes place is called a 'crematorium'. A
crematorium consists of one or more furnaces called 'cremators' (often
mistakenly called 'ovens') and facilities for handling of the ashes.
A cremator is an industrial furnace capable of reaching high
temperatures up to approximately 870-980 °C (1600-1800 °F) with
special modifications to ensure the efficient disintegration of the
corpse.
A crematorium may be part of chapel or a funeral home, or it may be
part of an independent facility or a service offered by a cemetery.
The cremators use a number of different fuel sources, such as natural or propane gas. Prior to this coal or coke was often used by crematoriums up to the early 1960s. Modern cremators include control systems which 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.
A cremation furnace is not designed to cremate more than one body at a time, and to do so is illegal in many nations including the USA.
Modern cremators are computer-controlled with safety devices and interlocks to ensure legal and safe use, e.g., the door cannot be opened until the cremator has reached the correct operating temperature. The coffin is inserted (charged) into the retort as quickly as possible to avoid heat loss from the top-opening door.