The Cremation Process
The Crematorium is licensed to operate by the London Borough of Hounslow, under Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. Through this act the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requires local authorities to monitor potential pollution issues, including the cremation process.
During the cremation, the emissions are raised to 850º centigrade to nullify dioxins, furans and particulate matter to make the emissions more environmentally friendly, before being released via the flue into the atmosphere.
During 2020/21 three new Facultatieve Technologies FTIII cremators were installed with abatement equipment, providing 100% abatement of mercury. The current suggested requirement from DEFRA is 50%.
In addition to the abatement equipment and installed in April 2022, we now have DeNox filtration which will remove harmful nitrogen oxides. These oxides occur when oxygen and nitrogen react to high temperatures during the cremation process. The DeNox equipment is not yet part of the current DEFRA requirement, but The Crematorium Board considered the additional filtration an invaluable investment for the benefit of the environment and surrounding communities.
Waste heat is a resultant product of cooling the gases to enable filtration to be safely used. A heat exchanger is fitted onto the system which enables the generated heat to be used to heat the crematorium buildings and provide hot water.
All the above initiatives have enhanced the carbon footprint of the Crematorium in accordance with our Environmental Policy.