CMT CMT Cremation & Alternative Disposition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the typical temperature range inside a cremation retort during the primary chamber combustion phase?
- 1,400°F to 1,800°F (760°C to 982°C) (Correct answer)
- 500°F to 800°F (260°C to 427°C)
- 2,200°F to 2,500°F (1,204°C to 1,371°C)
- 900°F to 1,100°F (482°C to 593°C)
Correct answer: 1,400°F to 1,800°F (760°C to 982°C)
The primary cremation chamber operates between approximately 1,400°F and 1,800°F to fully combust soft tissue while reducing the body to bone fragments.
Question 2: What are the remaining bone fragments called after the cremation process is complete?
- Cremated remains (cremains) or calcined bone fragments (Correct answer)
- Ashes
- Residual tissue
- Silica powder
Correct answer: Cremated remains (cremains) or calcined bone fragments
The correct technical term for remains after cremation is 'cremated remains' or 'calcined bone fragments,' though 'ashes' is used colloquially by families.
Question 3: Before a cremation can legally begin in most US states, what document must be obtained?
- Authorization for cremation from the legally authorized next-of-kin AND a cremation permit from the medical examiner or registrar (Correct answer)
- Only the death certificate
- Only the family's verbal consent
- A notarized will
Correct answer: Authorization for cremation from the legally authorized next-of-kin AND a cremation permit from the medical examiner or registrar
Most states require both written family authorization and a government-issued cremation permit before cremation can proceed, as the process is irreversible.
Question 4: What is the function of the secondary (afterburner) chamber in a cremation retort?
- To combust gases, smoke, and particulates from the primary chamber to reduce emissions (Correct answer)
- To hold the cremated remains after processing
- To preheat the body before primary combustion
- To cool the cremated remains before processing
Correct answer: To combust gases, smoke, and particulates from the primary chamber to reduce emissions
The secondary (afterburner) chamber burns off combustion gases and particulates from the primary chamber to minimize air pollution and comply with EPA standards.
Question 5: How long does a standard adult cremation typically take in a modern cremation retort?
- 2 to 3 hours (Correct answer)
- 30 minutes
- 8 to 10 hours
- 24 hours
Correct answer: 2 to 3 hours
A standard adult cremation typically takes 2 to 3 hours depending on body size and retort temperature, after which the cremated remains are processed.
Question 6: What piece of equipment is used to process (grind) calcified bone fragments into the uniform powder that families receive?
- Cremulator (processor) (Correct answer)
- Cremation retort
- Trocar
- Aspirator
Correct answer: Cremulator (processor)
A cremulator (also called a cremation processor) mechanically grinds calcified bone fragments into the consistent fine material that is placed in an urn or container for families.
CMT CMT Cremation & Alternative Disposition 1
What is the typical temperature range inside a cremation retort during the primary chamber combustion phase?