Frequently Asked Questions

How do you achieve a 4-hour process with low-pressure AH?

Our patented hydrolytic technology utilizes the same chemical inputs and heat as the low-pressure systems by other manufacturers. However, we have introduced a gentle rotation of the body, which accelerates the breakdown of soft tissue. By exposing more of the soft tissue to the alkaline solution, the process becomes more efficient, resulting in a faster turnaround. Our patented gentle rocking “swish” pattern of the internal perforated cradle is a key feature of our technology advanced systems, ensuring our fast 4 hour cycle time does not compromise on the dignity, respect and care for the decedent. 

Do odors occur during the process?

Our system is closed, but it is vented with a 1″ diameter pipe to the exterior. This vent releases water vapor and a slight ammonia odor. There are no other air emissions associated with our system.

Which chemicals are used in the process?

We use industry-standard potassium hydroxide (KOH), which can be in liquid or dry flake format. For liquid KOH, it is automatically metered into our hydrolytic chamber in the correct volume corresponding to the decedent’s body weight. In the case of dry flake 90% pure KOH, it can be manually added to our patented V-shaped chemical trough on the outside of the rotating inner cradle. Upon rotation, the dry chemical is safely introduced to the water. Typically, liquid KOH is used for our human model, the AquaT3500™, while dry flake is used for our pet model, the AquaT2000™. However, both models are designed to accommodate either method of introducing the alkali chemical to initiate the dissolution of tissue. In addition, we use a small quantity of liquid acid to adjust the pH of the liquid by-product at the end of the cycle and in accordance to the client’s intended method of discharging the sterile liquid remains.

What other innovations does Aquaternal incorporate?

Our hydrolytic technology features patented internal baffles that have been shown to increase efficiencies by up to 25%. All our models come equipped with these proprietary baffles, which can be removed and interchanged as we continue to develop and refine efficiencies. Furthermore, our systems are designed with built-in heat exchangers, allowing our customers to save water and heat energy. With a short 4-hour cycle, it is now possible to comfortably conduct two or three back-to-back cycles in a normal day. Retaining and reusing heat energy not only reduces operating costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint.

How can you claim to have 1/20th the carbon footprint and 90% less energy compared to flame cremation?

We measure the energy input over the course of back-to-back cycles each having a typical 4-hour duration from start to finish. By recapturing and reusing heat energy in a back-to-back cycle, we are able to reach operating temperatures of 200°F much faster and with much less energy input. Our insulated inner chamber requires minimal electrical input to maintain operating temperatures over a much shorter sub-4-hour process cycle. To compare our energy usage and carbon footprint with a typical flame cremation cycle that utilizes fossil fuels to maintain average operating temperatures of 1800°F, we convert our electrical energy inputs measured in kilowatt-hour (KWh)  to British thermal units (BTU).

How does Aquaternal treat the liquid remains prior to disposal?

The standard practice in the industry is to cool the effluent and adjust the pH down to meet municipal standards for disposal, usually around pH 10 with a small quantity of commercially available acid. The liquid by-product at the end of the cycle is cooled to safe discharge levels by passing cold water through our proprietary built-in heat exchanger. This saves on water and recaptures heat energy for the next cycle. 

Additionally, we have developed a proprietary treatment system that reduces BOD/COD and suspended solids down to acceptable levels to meet most municipal regulations.  This secondary treatment of the liquid remains effectively addresses many concerns raised by municipalities regarding trade waste from water cremation facilities, thus facilitating smoother permit approvals. 

If I’m a loved one trying to find water cremation, where can I go?

Here is a great resource that lists where water cremation is legal in the North America

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alkaline_hydrolysis_(body_disposal)&oldid=1160473537