Crematory Operations Test

What is cremation?

The reduction of a dead human body to inorganicbone fragments by intense heat in a specifically designedretort or chamber

What is the chemical reaction that causes cremation?

Combustion

How does the chemical reaction behind cremation work?

Oxygen rapidly combines with fuel and gives off heat --> Oxygen then combines with carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur/other components of fuel and then changes into different gasses

What do the components of the fuel that don't get burned turn into?

They remain as ash

What is perfect combustion?

Result of mixing and burning exactproportion of fuel and oxygen so that no unburned fuel or oxygenremains

What are the 2 phases of cremation?

Primary combustion and secondary combustion

What is primary combustion?

Combustion in the ignition chamber/primary chamber

What is secondary combustion?

The products of the combustion process settle and further combust- remaining gasses discharge from the crematory stack

What are the three elements critical for successful combustion?

Time, temperature, and turbulence

Where does combustion take place?

Secondary burner

What is the most ideal temperature of the secondary chamber?

1650-1700 degrees F

What are opacity emissions?

Degree to which light is reduced when viewing through visible emissions

Who identifies testing standards for opacity emissions

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

What are the two basic types of crematories?

In-Line design and Retort design

What is the difference between the two basic types of crematory?

The flow of gasses

What is the in-line design?

Gasses flow front to back and then out and exhaust does not recirculate

What is the retort design?

Gasses flow front to back then underneath the hearth prior to exiting through stack

What is the charging door?

Primary chamber door electronically or hydraulically operated

What is the control panel station?

Operation equipment for the crematory

What is the primary chamber?

Where the cremation actually takes place and the heat and air mix to create combustion

What is the optimal temperature for the primary chamber

1600 degrees F

What is the secondary chamber?

Where the unburned combustion from the primary chamber is held until complete combustion is achieved, allowing proper airflow to the stack

What is an acceptable range for the secondary chamber?

1400-1800 degrees F

What is the general rule for the temperature of the secondary chamber?

Must be 50 degrees hotter than primary chamber for drafting and air flow

What is the hearth?

Floor of crematory

What is the refractory material?

Specialized material designed to withstand high temperatures that lines the crematory

What are the burners?

Introduce flame by delivering fuel and its combustion air at desired velocities and turbulence

Where are the burners located?

Both primary and secondary chambers (burners in 2nd maintain temp)

What is the thermocouple?

Heat-sensing device

What is the pollution/opacity monitoring system?

Device that detects gassesexisting stack - warning device informs you of gasses that contain higherlevels of opacity than acceptable

What is the stack?

The final discharge point where the products of combustion are released into the environment

What is the loading device?

Assists with the safe and appropriate placement of remains in the crematory (scale may be built in)

What is the electronic scale?

Used to weigh the decedent- critical in proper cremation and preventing fire hazard

What are some necessary crematory accessories?

Fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, high-density cardboard roller, and a cremation pan

What are some accessories that can be used after cremation?

Wire brushes/rake, collection pan, cooling rack, plastic bags, and temp containers

How thick do the plastic bags need to be?

2 mil thickness

What are some processing accessories?

Funnel, mortar and pestle, zip ties, identification medallions, and hand magnet

What is the vacuum system?

Total removal of cremated remains helps maintain a dust-free work environment

What is the clearance for the stack?

6 inches

What degree should the refrigeration cool to?

40 degrees F

What case should you cremate first?

Obese case so they take place in a cool chamber because the cases burn extremely hot (watch temp at 100-200 degrees and turn off burner))

What case should you cremate last?

Metal casket because it will require extended cool off period

How long after tod should you wait to cremate?

48 hours

What is the minimum info that should be a part of the receipt of remains?

Name, date, tod, inventory of personal effects, identity of auth agent, permission

What are the standards for an appropriate container?

Totally encase the deceased, combustible, rigid, contain less than .5% chlorinated plastic

What are the proper materials for a container to be made out of?

Corrugated cardboard, particleboard, and wood

What should be removed prior to cremation?

Pacemakers, medical devices powered by lithium batteries with written permission from auth agent

What should you do if there are radioactive seeds in a case?

Implanted within the last 12 months, do not cremate, may need to delay pulverizing, and store remains in a metal or lead container

What should you do for a infant case?

Place the deceased on a small pan, and do not place it under the primary burner; place it to the side and verify after 20 min if there was ignition. Use a mortar and pestle

What is the size of an appropriate urn/container?

200 cubic inches