To begin the process, the body is placed in a stainless steel vessel. Alkali, a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, is added to the vessel at a ratio of 95% water and 5% alkali. The amount added depends on individual characteristics, including weight, sex, and embalming status. From there, the vessel fills with water.
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Once the vessel is filled, the alkali water solution is heated to 200-300°F and gently flows throughout the vessel for the length of the water cremation process.
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Once the process is completed (6-8 or 18-20 hours, depending on temperature), all organic material within the vessel is broken down to the smallest building blocks. There will be no DNA or RNA remaining - our bodies consist of 65% water, to begin with. The sterile processed water is released for recycling, and the vessel performs a clean, freshwater rinse for the equipment and remains.
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When the freshwater rinse is completed, the operator opens the door of the vessel. Inside, only the inorganic bone minerals will remain. These remains and minerals are reduced into ashes and returned to the family. This processing step is similar to the one that is followed by flame cremation.