What best describes a "Nonel" assembly?

• A. A rope filled with gunpowder
• B. A device with a high strength non-electric delay detonator
• C. A plastic container of liquid explosive
• D. A metal casing with an explosive powder

Answer: (B)

A "Nonel" assembly is best described as a device that utilizes a high-strength non-electric delay detonator. This type of detonator is specifically designed to provide a time delay between the initiation of the explosive and the actual detonation. The advantages of non-electric systems, such as Nonel, include reduced risk of accidental detonation from electric shocks or stray currents, making them safer in certain mining and blasting conditions. They are typically used in environments where electric detonators could pose a hazard, providing a reliable and controlled method of detonating explosives in sequences.

The other options refer to different types of explosive components or systems but do not accurately capture the defining characteristics of a Nonel assembly. For example, while a rope filled with gunpowder or a plastic container of liquid explosive might be related to explosives in general, they do not represent the specific nature and function of the Nonel assembly. The metal casing with explosive powder may pertain to other types of explosive devices but lacks the non-electric delay feature that defines a Nonel assembly. Understanding the distinction of Nonel assemblies emphasizes their role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of blasting operations in mining.