Classification of Cremation Machines in China

Cremation machines, commonly known as "cremation furnaces," are specialized equipment used in funeral homes and crematoriums to incinerate human remains. They are also a core product in funeral home construction.

The history of human cremation dates back roughly 4,500 years, with early signs found in large ceramic urns containing human ashes discovered at prehistoric sites in China, indicating that cremation customs originated in the country as early as the primitive society era.

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the national cremation rate has steadily increased alongside the country’s funeral reform. By the 1990s, China’s cremation rate was second only to Japan, with the highest volume of cremations globally. In cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai, as well as in provinces such as Jiangsu and Shandong, the cremation rate has reached 100%. This demand has led to a rapid increase in the number of funeral homes and cremation units, particularly among first- and second-tier funeral facilities.

Historically, cremation was performed by placing a body on a pile of wood (or within a simple burning area) and setting it alight. However, with the advancement of modern civilization and technology, these rudimentary methods were phased out and replaced by more sophisticated, respectful cremation machines that significantly enhance both the speed and the dignity of the process. Since the early 20th century, cremation has been advocated worldwide, making cremation machines essential for promoting cremation and advancing funeral reform.

China's vast expanse, diverse ethnicities, varying customs, and economic disparities result in differences in funeral home development, cremation rates, and equipment sophistication. Thus, cremation machines range from the most basic to the most advanced, with several common classification methods.

1.1 By Fuel Type

Cremation machines can be categorized into four types based on the type of fuel used:

1. Coal-fired Cremation Machine: Uses coal as the fuel source. These machines are less common today, as they are simple in structure, labor-intensive, and produce considerable pollution.
2. Oil-fired Cremation Machine: Uses diesel as fuel. These machines are widely used, unaffected by geographic limitations, and are the most popular type.
3. Gas-fired Cremation Machine: Uses city gas, natural gas, or LPG as fuel. This type is typically limited to large and medium-sized cities with gas supplies or areas with ample gas resources.
4. Electric Cremation Machine: Powered by electricity, providing excellent environmental benefits. Common in regions with abundant electric power resources.

1.2 By Furnace Structure

Based on furnace chamber structure, cremation machines can be divided into three types:

1. Grate-type Cremation Machine: Also known as the "elevated furnace," where the body is incinerated on grates within the chamber. This design is efficient and time-saving but can lead to ash mixing.
2. Flat-plate Cremation Machine: Features a flat-bed furnace floor, often designed with grooves or raised sections where the body is incinerated.
3. Cart-type Cremation Machine: Also known as the "ash collection furnace," where the body is placed on a cart that moves in and out of the chamber. Ashes can be removed after cooling, offering high dignity but requiring more energy and longer processing times.

1.3 By Combustion Method

Cremation machines are categorized by combustion methods into two types:

1. Single Combustion Chamber Machine: Includes one combustion chamber.
2. Multi-chamber Machine: Features both a "primary combustion chamber" for the body and burial items and a "secondary combustion chamber" for smoke generated from the primary chamber. The addition of a second chamber enhances combustion efficiency and helps ensure environmental compliance by extending smoke retention for thorough oxidation and decomposition.

1.4 By Body Entry Method

Cremation machines are also classified by how the body is introduced:

1. Front-entry, Front-exit Machine: Both body entry and ash removal occur from the front. Often used internationally, these machines involve manual loading using a cart, though they are less common in China.
2. Front-entry, Rear-exit Machine: Body is introduced from the front while ashes are removed from the rear. This configuration allows automated body loading, supporting a clean and odor-free cremation room environment.

1.5 By Smoke Exhaust Method

The method of smoke exhaust separates cremation machines into two types:

1. Top-exhaust Machine: Exhaust gases are released upward through heat-resistant pipes and a chimney. Suitable for areas with high water tables, though it is more costly and has a shorter lifespan than bottom-exhaust models.
2. Bottom-exhaust Machine: Smoke exits downward through underground ducts to a chimney. This design is more cost-effective and long-lasting but requires a waterproof layer in areas with high water tables to prevent moisture issues.

1.6 By Automation Level

Based on automation, cremation machines fall into three levels:

1. Basic Cremation Machine: Primarily manual, with low automation. These are low-cost, simple in structure, easy to maintain, but labor-intensive and more polluting.
2. Mid-range Cremation Machine: Semi-automated with limited automated controls, providing a moderate level of automation.
3. High-end Cremation Machine: Highly automated with multiple control parameters (e.g., chamber pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels). These machines offer low labor intensity, high reliability, efficient combustion, and a polished exterior, balancing efficiency and elegance.