What method is used to check if Nonel tubes have been initiated?

• A. Visual inspection of the tubing
• B. Cut a piece of tubing and blow through it
• C. Submerge the tube in water
• D. Tap the tube gently with a hammer

Answer: (B)

The correct method to check if Nonel tubes have been initiated is to cut a piece of tubing and blow through it. This process allows an individual to determine whether the explosive charge within the tube has been initiated by assessing the flow of air. If the tube has not been initiated, the air will pass through, indicating it is intact and has not been activated. This method is effective because it directly tests the functionality of the explosive by checking for obstruction or initiation through the physical act of blowing air.

Visual inspection can sometimes be helpful in examining the tubing for obvious signs of damage or wear, but it does not provide definitive proof of whether the tube has been initiated. Similarly, submerging the tube in water does not effectively demonstrate its status as initiated or uninitiated; it may only reveal physical integrity and not the actual condition of the explosive charge. Tapping the tube gently with a hammer does not serve as a reliable method either, as it could cause damage without providing useful information about the initiation status. Thus, cutting the tube and applying air pressure directly assesses the effectiveness and initiation status of the Nonel tubes.