If you are planning to have a loved one cremated you should be familiar with the different types of cremations available to you. We are happy to help with all your cremation services in Kaysville, UT needs.Liquid cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to break down the body of a deceased person into its chemical components. It is an alternative to traditional cremation, which uses high heat to burn the body to ashes.

What Is Liquid Cremation?

In alkaline hydrolysis, the body is placed in a special chamber filled with a mixture of water and potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The chamber is heated to a high temperature and pressurized, which causes the body to break down into its chemical components, including amino acids, sugars, and salts. The process takes several hours to complete, and at the end, the remaining bones are ground into a fine powder that can be returned to the family as with traditional cremation.

Proponents of liquid cremation argue that it is more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation because it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and does not release harmful chemicals such as mercury into the air. However, the process is not yet legal in all states or countries and is still considered controversial by some people who object to the idea of dissolving human remains in chemicals.

How Does It Work?

The body is prepared for liquid cremation by removing any medical devices or foreign objects that may interfere with the process. The body is then placed in a specially designed vessel that is filled with a mixture of water and potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, which is heated to a high temperature and pressurized. The body is exposed to high temperature and pressure for several hours, which causes it to break down into its chemical components, including amino acids, sugars, and salts.



The process is similar to what occurs during natural decomposition, but it is accelerated by the chemicals and heat. Once the process is complete, the remaining liquid is drained from the vessel and passed through a filtration system that removes any solid particles, such as bone fragments. The liquid byproduct, which is sterile and free of pathogens, can be safely disposed of in the sewer system or used as a fertilizer. The remaining bones are ground into a fine powder that can be returned to the family as with traditional cremation.

Some religions and cultures view cremation as a preferred or required form of final disposition. For example, in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, cremation is a common practice and is often preferred over burial. Cremated remains are easier to transport than a full casket, which can be an important consideration for families who need to travel long distances to attend a funeral or memorial service. If you think a liquid cremation may be right for you or if you have cremation questions, be sure to reach out to us for help with all your cremation services in Kaysville, UT needs.