The cost of cremation versus aquamation depends on numerous factors, including location and whether or not the family chooses a full embalming service. In general, cremation tends to be the cheaper option since it involves processing and disposing of the deceased’s body into ashes via high-temperature incineration.
Aquamation is typically the more expensive choice since it requires specialized equipment and facility costs to dissolve a body in a solution of water and alkali, usually for 48-72 hours. Both cremation and aquamation are priced differently according to the complexity of the services involved.
For instance, with aquamation, a service such as embalming or a closed-casket viewing could potentially significantly increase the cost as compared to a simple cremation. When considering which method is best for you and your family, it is important that you factor in the cost in your decision-making process.
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What is the cheapest cremation process?
The cheapest cremation process typically depends on the services that you want included in the procedure. Generally, a direct cremation is the least expensive option and typically costs between $400 and $1000.
A direct cremation involves the cremation without a funeral service and is usually the most affordable way to handle the disposition of the deceased. That cost includes the basic services of the funeral home, obtaining the necessary documents, transferring the body to the funeral home, and the cremation process itself.
Additional fees may include mileage, ixnay cost, or a refrigeration fee to store the body before the cremation takes place. This process does not include an urn for ashes or an associate holding a service, as these must be separately purchased.
How much does Aquamated cost?
Aquamated’s pricing varies depending upon the size of the pool and the type of system installed. Generally, systems start around $600 and go up to $2500. The standard package includes filter pump, return-line chlorination system and Aquamated’s patented mineral cartridge, as well as all of the necessary fittings.
Additionally, there may also be a monitoring and control system, additional hardware, and a yearly maintenance package available for purchase. If you are interested in an estimate for Aquamated, it is recommended to contact the company directly for a customized consultation and quote.
What remains are left after aquamation?
After aquamation, the body is reduced to its basic elements (ash and bones). The ash is typically a light grey to black in colour, depending on the cremation process, and consists of calcium phosphate, along with water and trace elements, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous.
The ash is the result of the body being reduced to its basic elements and usually ends up being around 5-10 pounds in weight. The remainder after aquamation is the bones, which are made up of calcium hydroxyapatite, collagen, and other proteins and minerals.
Bones can remain intact after the cremation process, or they can be ground by using a pulverizer into a powdery substance known as cremated remains. Bones can also be fragmented into their constituent minerals through a chemical process known as alkaline hydrolysis.
The final remnants of aquamation are sterile and can be scattered, buried, or kept in an urn.
Where does the water go after aquamation?
After aquamation, the softened remains are effectively sterile and may either be returned to the natural environment or used as an agricultural soil amendment. Essentially, the water and softened remains are placed in an area where they will not pollute the waterways or local environment.
The water that was used during aquamation is drained off as waste and either recycled or discharged in an environment-friendly manner. Many of the substances used in the aquamation process, such as sodium sulfate, magnesium chloride, and other minerals, are considered harmless to the environment, so they can be used safely when the aliquots of the reject water are discharged into a river or stream.
In some cases, they can even add important nutrients to a local water system.
Finally, once all of the remaining water has been removed, the softened remains can be buried or cremated. Cremation is often the preferred option in situations where a deceased loved one is to be remembered and honored.
How long does a aquamation take?
The amount of time it takes for aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, to take place varies depending on several factors. These include the size and weight of the deceased pet, the temperature and pH of the aquamation solution, and the overall equipment being used.
For most pets, a typical aquamation process may take anywhere from 1-2 hours to complete. During this time, the aquamation solution is circulated into the chamber, breaking down the pet’s tissue while preserving its proteins and minerals.
The pH and temperature of the aquamation solution also plays a role in the dissolution process. If a higher pH value and higher temperature are used, it can reduce the amount of time required for aquamation.
Upon completion, the aquamation process produces an incredibly sterile and nutrient-rich solution that can be safely disposed of in a variety of ways.
Is aquamation better than cremation?
Whether aquamation or cremation is better for a person’s final disposition largely depends on personal preference. Aquamation is a form of water-based cremation that utilizes water and natural alkaline compounds rather than flame to break down the body.
It produces fewer atmospheric pollutants than flame-based cremation, making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to the traditional fire-based method. Additionally, the process is more efficient than cremation which can take up to 4 hours to complete.
Meanwhile, traditional cremation offers more flexibility when it comes to family members being able to view the body before it’s disposed of. Aquamation offers less flexibility as the body must be contained in a closed vessel and the top must be kept closed.
In the end, both aquamation and cremation are viable and accepted alternatives to traditional burial. When considering which one might be right for a particular individual, it’s important to factor in the various benefits and drawbacks associated with each method.
What is the process of Aquamated?
Aquamated is a water treatment technology developed by Crystal Clear Water Solutions that utilizes electro-hydraulic wave technology to purify water. The process begins with the intake of raw, untreated water that is coagulated and filtered as it enters the system.
The filtered water then travels through a series of pre-programmed chambers of proprietary membranes, where it is exposed to electrical current and an array of high pressure waves that rapidly break down unwanted contaminants and chemicals.
The result is highly purified drinking water that can be used for either potable, commercial, or industrial applications.
The process of Aquamated is designed to be highly efficient, with minimal electricity and water consumption. It also reduces operating costs, as the system has reduced maintenance requirements compared to other water treatment technologies.
Additionally, the technology is non-toxic and can be used to remove a wide range of chemicals and contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and even pharmaceutical residues. By producing clean, pure water, Aquamated helps promote healthier living and protect the environment while providing safe drinking water.
What states allow aquamation for humans?
At the present time, several U. S. states allow aquamation (or alkaline hydrolysis, flameless cremation, water cremation and resomation) for human remains. These states include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming.
Each of these states has its own set of rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to perform aquamation. Generally speaking, aquamation requires approval from the family of the deceased and often requires filing death paperwork with the state.
Aquamation is considered an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation, and can be much simpler and less costly than traditional burial services. In addition to the states listed above, the process is also legal in certain parts of Canada, Australia and Europe.
Does the Catholic Church approve of aquamation?
No, the Catholic Church does not approve of aquamation, which is a form of water cremation that dissolves the body over several hours with a solution of 95 percent water and 5 percent alkaline. This method is similar to cremation but uses a water-based alkaline solution instead of fire.
The Church does not consider aquamation as an acceptable method for the disposition of the bodies of the deceased. The Church has a strong tradition of burying deceased bodies and believes that the body should be respected and treated in a reverent manner until its burial.
The Church also notes that aquamation still results in the dissolution of the body and, while it is intended to be an environmentally friendly burial option, the Church believes that the proper burial or cremation of the body remains the only option in the eyes of the Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states “The Church permits cremation provided that it is not chosen for reasons that could be opposed to Christian doctrines” (§ 2301). Therefore, the Church does not condone aquamation since it can be seen as contradicting Christian beliefs and doctrines.
What happens to an Aquamated body?
When a person’s body is aquamated, it is immersed in a special liquid chemical solution that dissolves the body over time until only their bones remain. This process is designed to be a more sustainable form of burial as it eliminates the need for a traditional casket and burial plot.
While the process does take up less space than traditional burial, it is usually more expensive. The chemical solution is highly caustic, meaning that all materials, such as teeth and plastic jewelry, will be corroded and destroyed.
After the dissolution period, the bones left behind are typically cremated. Generally, the ashes created from this process will contain some small amounts of chemical residue, which is why it is recommended that they are not scattered, but rather buried in a biodegradable urn.
Do you get ashes from aquamation?
No, you cannot get ashes from aquamation. Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a modern alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. In aquamation, the deceased is placed in a chamber of warm water and potassium hydroxide, which is a natural alkali.
The chamber tanks gently convert the deceased’s remains into liquid, leaving only clean white bone fragments. After a few hours, these fragments are processed into a fine powder and given to the family to scatter, store, or bury.
There are no ashes with aquamation, as the water used in the process causes the natural breakdown of the body and contains any impurities that may have been present.
Does aquamation dissolve bone?
No, aquamation does not dissolve bone. Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an eco-friendly form of end-of-life-care for human remains. It uses water, heated to a certain temperature, to break down organic material and recycles it into a sterile liquid, leaving behind bones and any non-dissolvable metals such as artificial hips and pacemakers.
The process uses alkali to help dissolve the soft tissue, such as skin and muscle, but the bones will remain as they are not affected by the alkaline solution. After the process is complete, the bones and metals are hand sorted, and the bones are placed into a cremation container.
This process is an earth-friendly alternative to cremation, as it reduces the pollutant emission emitted during the process.
How long does it take for an unburied body to decompose in water?
The rate of decomposition of an unburied body in water is dependent on various factors, including temperature and the availability of oxygen. In warm, oxygenated waters, an unburied body may decompose at a faster rate than a buried body.
Bacteria and other organisms facilitate the breakdown of proteins and fats in the body, and this process can begin within hours of submersion.
In general, however, it is estimated that a human body submerged in water can take anywhere from two weeks to eight months to decompose. The decomposition process is accelerated in warmer climates and can take only one or two weeks.
For instance, in Florida’s warm, shallow waters, a body decomposes quickly because of the presence of vultures and molluscs that feed on the smaller organisms. In colder climates, however, the decomposition process can take longer, up to 8 months or more.
The primary cause of decomposition of a body in water is the growth and activities of bacteria. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, use the body as a food source and break down the cellular tissue, releasing energy and gases.
This process causes the tissues and organs to break apart, leading to the “bloating” of the body. After about 4 to 5 days, the body begins to sink. At this time, the skin will soon start to separate from the body, and gases will be released from the decomposing body, causing a strong odor.
As the body continues to decompose, the remains are reduced to bones and a slimy fluid.
In summary, the amount of time it takes for an unburied body to decompose in water varies significantly based on environmental factors. Generally, however, decomposition begins within hours and can take anywhere from two weeks to up to 8 months or longer.
Do they drain your fluids before cremation?
Yes, when you choose cremation for a deceased loved one, most funeral homes and crematories will drain bodily fluids before the body is placed in the cremation chamber. This process is done to respect the deceased and lessen any odors associated with the body during cremation.
The fluids are processed in accordance with local laws and environmental regulations. The fluids are usually disposed of in a sanitary sewer system, with some funeral homes opting to absorb and evaporate the fluids.
Draining the fluids is a standard process when someone is being cremated, regardless of whether embalming was used.
