The process is based on alkaline hydrolysis: the body is placed in a chamber that is then filled with a mixture of water and lye, and heated to a temperature around 160 °C (320 °F), but at a high pressure, which prevents boiling. Instead, the body is effectively broken down into its chemical components, which takes about three hours.
The end result is a quantity of green-brown tinted liquid (containing amino acids, peptides, sugars and salts) and soft, porous white bone remains (calcium phosphate) easily crushed in the hand (although a cremulator is more commonly used) to form a white-colored dust. The "ash" can then be returned to the next of kin of the deceased. The liquid is disposed of either through the sanitary sewer system, or through some other method, including use in a garden or green space.
This alkaline hydrolysis process has been championed by a number of ecological campaigning groups, for using 1/8 of the energy of flame-based cremation and producing less carbon dioxide and pollutants. It also produces no mercury emissions.It is being presented as an alternative option at some British crematorium sites. As of August 2007, about 1,000 people had chosen this method for the disposition of their remains in the United States.
Alkaline hydrolysis has also been adapted by the pet industry. A handful of companies in North America offer the procedure as an alternative to pet cremation.





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