Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation)
Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as aquamation, is a water-based process for the disposition of remains. McKinlay Funeral Home can arrange this service for families who request it.
An option we can arrange
Aquamation is available to families in Chatham-Kent through McCormack Aquamation Services in Sarnia. We coordinate the arrangements on your behalf.
Alkaline hydrolysis uses water, heat, and an alkaline solution to break down the body, rather than flame. The hydrolized remains are returned to the family in an urn, in the same way as traditional flame cremation.
Available on request, arranged and coordinated by our team
Comparable in cost and timing to traditional flame cremation
Remains are returned in an urn, as with flame cremation
How Aquamation Works
Preparation
The deceased is prepared in our care. Since the process only breaks down organic animal proteins, clothing and any inorganic matter is removed.
Alkaline hydrolysis
The body is placed into a sealed chamber filled with water and an alkaline solution, then gently heated under pressure over a period of hours until the process is complete. The resulting liquid is treated and released through the wastewater system, while the bone remains are set aside separately. McCormack uses the ‘No Tilt’ method, keeping the chamber level at all times.
Remains returned
The remaining bone material is processed into remains and returned to the family in an urn, as with traditional cremation.
Have questions about this option?
Contact our team to discuss aquamation or any of our other cremation and burial options.
Company
