1

Contents
NONEL USER’S TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS
USER’S GUIDE GUIDE INITIATION
INITIATION SYSTEMS
The NONEL system
system .....
..........
...........
...........
..........
..........
..........
..........
..... 7
Snapline
Snapl ine connec
connector
tor block ......
............
...........
..........
..........
..........
....... 8
In-hole
In-hole deton
detonator
ator ......
............
............
...........
..........
..........
..........
...........
.......... 9

Three
NONEL
NONE diff
different
erent
L MS NON
NONEL
.....
.......... EL...........
........... syst
systems
............ ems
...............
..........
....................
....................
.....
............... 10
.......... 13
Firing plan for bench blasting.............
blasting............................
......... 14
Firing plan fo
forr pipel
pipelineine tren
trench ch blas
blasting
ting .....
..........
..... 15
Firing plan wi
withth deto
detonating
nating cord ..... ..........
..........
..........
..... 16
Underwater blasting
blasting.....................................
........................................
... 17
Sub-level
Sub-level cavin
cavingg ......
............
...........
..........
..........
..........
...........
...........
......... 19
NONEL
NONE L UNID
UNIDET ET ......
............
............
............
...........
..........
..........
.........
.... 20
Principle
Principle of initi
initiation
ation wi withth NONE
NONEL L UNID
UNIDET ET 21
Risk of overla
overlapping
pping .....
...........
............
............
...........
..........
..........
......... 23
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 1 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 24
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 2 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 25
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 3 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 26
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 4 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 27
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 5 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 28
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 6 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 29 TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 7 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 30 EXPLOSIVES
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 8 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 31
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 9 ............
..................
...........
..........
......... 32
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 10 ............
..................
............
..........
.... 33
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 11 ...........
................
..........
..........
......... 34
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 12 ............
..................
............
..........
.... 35
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 13 ............
..................
............
..........
.... 36
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 14 ............
..................
............
..........
.... 37
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 15 ............
..................
............
..........
.... 38
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 16 ............
..................
............
..........
.... 39
TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS
UNIDET
UNID ET firing plan No. 17 ............
..................
............
..........
.... 40
UNIDET firing plan No. 18 ............
UNIDET ..................
............
..........
.... 40 ACCESSORIES
ACCESSORIES
NONEL
NONE L LP .....
..........
...........
............
...........
..........
..........
..........
...........
...........
..... 41
Firing plan LP1 .....
..........
..........
..........
...........
...........
..........
..........
..........
....... 42
Initiation
Initiation by mea
means ns of bun bunchch conne
connectors
ctors .....
........
... 43
Firing plan LP2 .....
..........
..........
..........
...........
...........
..........
..........
..........
....... 44
Firing plan LP3 .....
..........
..........
..........
...........
...........
..........
..........
..........
....... 45
Firing plan LP4 .....
..........
..........
..........
...........
...........
..........
..........
..........
....... 45
Firing plan LP5 .....
..........
..........
..........
...........
...........
..........
..........
..........
....... 46
Initiation
Initiation by mea
means ns of detodetonating
nating ccord ord ..........
............ 47
Initiation
Initiation wi
with
th the aid ooff Dyno Dynoline line .....
..........
..........
......... 48
Initiation
Initiation by electr
electricic detona
detonator tor.....
..........
...........
............
.......... 51
Destroying
Destr oying deton
detonators
ators.....
..........
...........
............
............
...........
.........
.... 52
Destroying
Destr oying NONE
NONEL L tubes.......
tubes.............
............
............
...........
....... 52
Destr
Destroying
oying
Dealing
Dealin g withdeto
detonating
nating.....
misfires cor
cord d ......
............
.......... ............
........... ............
............ ..........
............
...............
.... 52
......... 53
Fact sheet for NONEL
NONEL system ..... ..........
...........
............
.......... 54
EC type certificate .....
...........
............
...........
..........
..........
..........
..........
..... 55
2
 U S E R ’ S G U I D E

This User’s Guide is intended as a complement to t o the NONEL System

Description, in which the function of the entire NONEL system is de-
scribed in detail. The main purpose of this booklet is to propose firing
plans and give ideas on how they may be adapted to meet different de-
mands in modern rock blasting.

Photography: Reinhold Carlson, et al.

Illustrations: Thommy Gustavsson, Gösta Lithner
Printed on environmentally-friendly
SOO/1998-08/Edition 1. paper, Inlaga Cyklus print 150 g; cover Chromocard 240 g.

3
4
User’s Guide
The NONEL initiation system was invented by Dyno Nobel and first
marketed in 1973. It is a non-electric initiation system based on a signal
line of low energy type. A shock wave is made to pass through the signal
line, which consists of a plastic tube coated internally with a reactive
substance. The shock wave is strong enough to initiate a delay element,
but not strong enough to split the tube and initiate adjacent explosives.
The velocity of the shock wave through the tube is approximately 2100
m/s.
The difference between NONEL and other non-electric systems such
as detonating cord is that the reaction in NONEL is enclosed in a tube.
With detonating cord, the cord itself detonates, as the name implies.

Initiation front

With NONEL, the shock wave is enclosed in a plastic tube.

With detonating cord, the cord itself detonates.

5
 With the NONEL system, the explosive can be initiated effectively from
the bottom, whereas detonating cord causes initiation in the top part of
the hole in most cases. When used to initiate relatively insensitive ex-
plosives such as ANFO and certain slurries, detonating cord can cause
dead-pressing of the explosive.

NONEL Detonating cord

Top initiation with detonating cord often causes flyrock, since the
stemming is destroyed as the detonation passes through it.

NONEL

Detonating cord

When initiating a round with NONEL, initiation on the surface takes place well before
initiation of the explosives in the drill hole.

6
The NONEL system

The NONEL initiation system consists of in-hole detonators, surface connector units,
starter tube and a blasting machine.

Function
The function of the in-hole detonator is to initiate the explosive in the
drill hole. The function of the surface connector unit is to transmit the
initiation signal to the in-hole detonator. The surface connector unit con-
sists of a connector block that contains a mini-detonator with or without
a delay element.

7
 Snapline connector block

The NONEL SL connector block is intended to initiate 5 NONEL tubes.

Thanks to the design of the block, the NONEL tubes are initiated in both
directions.
Snapline connector blocks are intended for transmitting the initiation shock
wave on the rock surface only and must not be used in the drill hole.

1 Hold the connector block in one hand

between the thumb and forefinger
forefinger,, with 1 2
the opening (slot) facing upwards.

2 With your other hand, take the tubes that

are to be connected and snap them into
the slot one by one.

3 Slide the block toward the drill hole and

tension the tubes moderately to tidy up the 3 4
connection.

4 When all tubes (max. 5 pieces) are in

place, snap shut the cover with your
thumb. Make sure the cover snaps into the
locked position.

If the cover on the SL connector block

needs to be opened after it has been
snapped shut, simply take the free end of a
NONEL tube, slip it underneath the lock
of the cover and pull upwards. Knives or
other sharp objects should not be used.

8
In-hole detonator

Cutaway section of NPED detonator

The in-hole detonator is of No. 8 strength (according to Prior test No.10)

to ensure reliable initiation of primers and detonator-sensitive explo-
sives. It is a NPED* detonator (i.e. Non-Primary Explosives Detona-
tor), which means that it does not contain
c ontain a primary explosive. The NPED
detonator is considerably
with detonators less
that contain sensitive
primary to impact
explosive. Theand shock compared
sensitive lead azide
azi de
(the primary explosive) has been replaced with pentyl, which is enclosed
in a steel sleeve.
The in-hole detonator is intended for initiation of the explosive in the hole
only and must not be used on the rock surface. (The only exception is when
an electric detonator is used to initiate a NONEL round - see page 51).

*US patent No. 4.727.808

9
 Three different NONEL
systems
Three NONEL-based initiation systems are available:
NONEL MS
NONEL UNIDET

NONEL LP
NONEL MS and NONEL UNIDET are used for bench blasting. Their
delay times are therefore designed to suit the conditions that prevail in
bench blasting.
When blasting several rows on a bench, it is important that the rock
in the first row is given enough time to move forwards before the next
row starts to move. Since rock swells by approximately 50% in volume
when broken up by explosives, room must be made for this expansion
within a very short period of time. Studies have shown that, ideally, the
rock in a row should move forwards by 1/3 of the burden before the next
row is allowed to detonate. Since the required delay time between rows
can vary between 10 ms per metre of burden in hard rock to 30 ms/m in
soft rock, a value of 15 ms/m can generally be used as a guideline.

B = burden

10
NONEL MS
is a conventional delay initiation system with a delay time of 25 ms
between each interval. Such short delay times are a legacy from the
past, when small-diameter holes were drilled with small burdens. Series
11 and 12 integral drill-steels require a burden of between 1 and 1.5
metres, for which a delay of 25 ms between rows is a good normal value.
NONEL UNIDET
is an initiation system that employs a uniform delay time in the in-hole
detonators and variable delay times in the connector units on the sur-
face. The delay time in the drill hole is usually 500 ms (but other options
can be used). This is then supplemented by delay times in the surface
connector units, which give the desired initiation
i nitiation sequence.
Surface delays from 17 to 176 ms are available, which gives great
flexibility in adapting the initiation sequence to suit the burden and rock
characteristics.
NONEL LP
is an initiation system intended for underground use. The delay times
between intervals in the system are generally longer in order to give
enough time for blasted rock to be properly displaced in the confined
space and single free face typical in tunnelling.
In most tunnels today, the parallel-hole cut is employed to first break
out a central cavity in the face, into which the rock surrounding the cut
can be displaced. The cut usually incorporates one or more large-diam-
eter relief holes, which are not charged.
c harged. The rock broken by the hole(s)
closest to the relief hole(s) must be thrown out of the face before the
next closest hole(s) are detonated. Since blasted rock is thrown out of
the face at a velocity of 40-60 metres per second, displacement will take
between 60 and 100 milliseconds for a hole 4 metres in depth. A delay
time of at least 100 ms between intervals in the cut is therefore essential
in order to prevent the rock from jamming up in the cut and impairing
the blasting result.

11
 Once the cut has been thrown out of the face to make room for further
rock displacement, a different detonator/explosive effect is required, since
limited throwback
throwbac k of the round is now desirable. The shotholes surround-
ing the cut are therefore given longer delays (500 ms) between intervals,
with the aim of producing a neatly confined muck pile that is easy to
load.

When blasting the contour, a primary requirement is that the detonators

should have good precision in order to ensure simultaneity in smooth-
blasting.

12
NONEL MS

NONEL MS is of conventional construction with 25 ms delays between

intervals. The initiation sequence is built up by means of the unique
delay times of each interval. Initiation
Initia tion is effected on the surface by means
of connector blocks with instantaneous initiation. The system has 18
intervals numbered from 3 to 20. The series begins with No. 3 for the
purpose of delaying the first interval by 75 ms in order to avoid the risk
of
itytube cut-offs.
of 2100 m/s,NONEL tube, with
has an inherent its shock
delay of 0.5wave transmission
ms/m. veloc-
In larger rounds
therefore, it is conceivable that all detonators will not receive their ini-
tiation signals by the time rock displacement begins from the first hole.
By delaying the first interval by 75 ms, a total of 150 m of tube is per-
missible in the connector units on the surface without the risk of tubes
t ubes to
some parts of the round being damaged by early rock displacement or
flyrock.
Signal conductors to detonators with nominally lower delay period numbers
must not be more than 8 metres longer than signal conductors to detonators
with the next higher delay period number.

NONEL MS is used mainly in smaller bench blasting operations on the

surface and underground, as well as in underwater blasting and sub-
level caving.

13
 Firing plan for bench blasting

7 6 6 6 7
6

6 5 5 5 5 6

5 4 4 4 4 5

4 3 3 3 3 4

Each surface connector unit initiates 4 in-hole detonators, as well as the

next surface connector unit. For the shortest possible delay in surface
initiation, initiation takes place via a trunk line from which side lines
branch off. However, with this arrangement it should be remembered
that, if a surface connector unit in one of the front rows fails to detonate,
it would have a negative influence on the blasting result in the rear part
of the round.

14
Firing plan for pipeline trench blasting

13 13

12 12

11 11
10 10

9 9
8 8

7 7
6 6

5 5
4 4

3 3

Connection is made in the direction of initiation. Failure of one surface

connector unit does not affect the result significantly. The round can be
reconnected and fired with good results.
A disadvantage of the NONEL MS system in pipeline trench blasting
is the limited length of trench that can be blasted in each round.

15
 Firing plan with detonating cord

7 6 6 6 6 7

6 5 5 5 5 6

5 4 4 4 4 5

4 3 3 3 3 4

NONEL MS rounds can be initiated with detonating cord, provided that

noise and airborne shock waves are permissible at the worksite. Deto-
nating cord with a charge weight of between 3.6 and 5.0 g/m is recom-
mended.
Ideally,, the NONEL tube should be connected to the detonating cord
Ideally
by means of a MULTICLIP.

16
Underwater blasting

5 4 4 4...

4 3 3 3...

For underwater blasting, a reinforced version of NONEL MS is recom-

mended, as well as two detonators in each hole. The tubes from the
detonators are connected to Snapline 0 connector blocks on the water
surface. The Snapline connector blocks should be mounted on floats of
polystyrene or a similar material.
Two initiation paths are recommended in underwater blasting in or-
der to ensure the reliability of initiation.

17
 5 4 4 4...

4 3 3 3...

Underwater rounds can also be initiated by detonat-

ing cord. A maximum of 20 NONEL tubes can be gath-
ered into a bunch, and detonating cord tied in a clove
hitch around the bunch.
Bunches should be placed at least half a metre away
from each other in order to reduce the risk of tube
cut-off.

18
Sub-level caving

3 3
4
4 5
5
6 8 8 6
9 9 10
7 7
10
11 11

12 12

NONEL MS is well suited for use in sub-level caving, which could be

described as a kind of upside-down bench blasting.

19
 NONEL UNIDET

NONEL UNIDET is based on the use of in-hole detonators with uni-

form delay. All in-hole detonators in the round have the same delay time
and the initiation sequence is determined on the surface by means of
surface connector units with built-in delays. The delay time in the in-
hole detonator is usually chosen as 500 ms, which normally enables all
in-hole detonators to be initiated on the surface before any rock dis-
placement begins.

20
 Principle of initiation with NONEL UNIDET

Base delay 500 ms 500 500 500...

All holes in the round are usually charged with detonators with the same
delay – in this case 500 ms.

Surface delay 0 ms 25 50 75...

Final delay 500 ms 525 550 575...

The initiation sequence is determined on the surface by means of Snapline

connector blocks.

21
 Snapline connector blocks are available with different delays and are
colour coded to indicate the delay time.
Green 0 ms (nominally 1.75 ms)
Yellow 17 ms
Red 25 ms
White 42 ms
Blue 67 ms
Black 109 ms
Orange 176 ms

0 ms
ms 42 84 126 168 210 252 294 336 378 420 462 504 etc. etc.

500 ms 542 584... ...920 962 1004...

With Snapline connector blocks, surface activation takes place well be-
fore rock displacement begins.

22
Risk of overlapping.
Maximum round sizes for differe
different
nt firing
plans using NONEL UNIDET.
According to Swedish Standard SS 4990707 “Initiation systems with
non-electric signal lines of low energy type”, section 19.4 “Theoretical
verification”, the maximum round size for different firing plans must be
stated. If the stated number of holes is exceeded, a risk of overlapping
unacceptable under SS 4990707 arises.

the Dyno Nobel

demands advises
of SS against the use of firing plans that do not meet
4990707.
The calculations are based on nominal delay times and maximum
standard deviations submitted by the manufacturer. They are intended
to show where a theoretical risk of overlapping will arise in the most
unfavourable case. A risk of overlapping is considered to exist if there is
a possibility of a hole in one of the back rows detonating before a hole in
one of the front rows. The risk of overlapping is stated for each firing
plan. The recommendations given are applicable provided that all in-
hole detonators have the same active tube length. The term “active tube
length” refers to the length of tube between the in-hole detonator and
the point on the tube at which the surface connector unit is connected.
The time increment that the delay times receive (on the basis of the
velocity of the detonation wave in NONEL tubes) has a negative influ-

ence on with
reduces the number
the rowofdepth,
holesi.e.
in awhen
row only whentube
the active the active
lengthtube length
in any row
is shorter than that in a previous row. For this reason, the greatest per-
missible length differential is 5 metres.
Length differentials of 0 and 5 metres have been taken into consideration in
the calculation of the risks of overlapping.
overlapping.

N.B.
The delay times between rows must always be equal to or greater than
the delay times between the holes in the rows.

23
 UNIDET firing plan No. 1

125 125 125 125 125

150

125 100 100 100 100 100

100 75 75 75 75 75

75 50 50 50 50 50

25 25 25 25 25
50

0
25 0 0 0 0

Row-by-row connection of a NONEL UNIDET round: 25 ms delay be-

tween rows and no delay between holes. The holes at both edges of the
round are delayed by 25 ms to give a better breaking angle and reduce
the risk of overbreak. Only 3 components are needed: NONEL UNIDET
detonator, Snapline 0 and Snapline 25 connector blocks.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
Number of holes per row that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
Delay time between rows of holes
Milliseconds 17 25 42 67 109 176
Max. No. of holes per row X 292 1000 1000 1000 1000 X = Not recommended

5 metres length differential in active tube length

Number of holes per row that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
Delay time between rows of holes
Milliseconds 17 25 42 67 109 176
Max. No. of holes per row X 178 1000 1000 1000 1000 X = Not recommended

The stated limitations in the number of holes per row assume symmetric connection,
i.e. that the rows are connected in the centre of the round. In the case of rounds
connected asymmetrically, only half the stated number is permissible.

24
UNIDET firing plan No. 2

375 350 175 150 125 150

350 325 150 125 100 125

325 300 125 100 75 100

275 100 75 50 75
300

275 250 75 50 25 50

250 225 50 25 0 25

Plow-shaped initiation with 25 ms delay between rows and 25 ms delay

between the holes in the rows. Needs few components. Snapline 0 con-
nector block can be replaced with a Snapline 25 in order to rationalize
stock holding, i.e. NONEL UNIDET detonators and Snapline 25 con-
nector blocks only. This firing plan gives good fragmentation through
the collision effect as the round is thrown forwards.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
Number of holes per row that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
Delay time between rows of holes
Milliseconds 17 25 42 67 109 176
Max. No. of holes per row X 22 34 52 106 172 X = Not recommended

5 metres length differential in active tube length

Number of holes per row that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
Delay time between rows of holes
Milliseconds 17 25 42 67 109 176
Max. No. of holes per row X 14 30 48 100 168 X = Not recommended

The stated limitations in the number of holes per row assume symmetric connection,
i.e. that the rows are connected in the centre of the round. In the case of rounds
connected asymmetrically, only half the stated number is permissible. The values in the
tables assume that the same delay time is used between rows as between the
individual holes in the rows.

25
 UNIDET firing plan No. 3

500 475 300 275 250 275

425 250 225 200 225

450

375 200 175 150 175

400

350 325 150 125 100 125

300 275 100 75 50 75

250 225 50 25 0 25

Another firing plan with few components. Through diagonal connec-

tion, a 50 ms delay is obtained between rows, with a delay of 25 ms
between the holes in the rows. This firing plan gives a wide hole-spac-
ing effect, which has a favourable effect on fragmentation. As in the
previous firing plan, the number of components can be rationalized to
two – the NONEL UNIDET in-hole detonator and Snapline 25 connec-
tor block – if the round is initiated by means of a Snapline 25 connector
block.
Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
Number of holes per row that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
Connector block used SL17 SL25 SL42 SL67 SL109 SL176
Delay time between rows
Milliseconds 34 50 84 134 218 352
Max. No. of holes per row 56 140 126 224 434 696

5 metres length differential in active tube length

Number of holes per row that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
Connector block used SL17 SL25 SL42 SL67 SL109 SL176
Delay time between rows
Milliseconds 34 50 84 134 218 352
Max. No. of holes per row 46 124 118 214 422 686

The stated limitations in the number of holes per row assume symmetric connection,
i.e. that the rows are connected in the centre of the round. In the case of rounds
connected asymmetrically, only half the stated number is permissible.

26
UNIDET firing plan No. 4

312 295 278 261 244 227 210

270 253 236 219 202 185

168

228 211 194 177 160 143 126

186 169 152 135 118 101 84

144 127 110 93 76 59 42

102 85 68 51 34 17 0

Firing plan with 42 ms delay between rows and 17 ms between the holes
in the rows. Connection is made row-by-row toward the rear of the round.
Good wide hole-spacing effect.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
Maximum number of holes per row in round with different combinations of
surface connector units.
Delay b
be
etween h
ho
oles Delay be
between h
ho
ole ro
rows
in the same row Milliseconds
Milliseconds 17 25 42 67 109 176
17 X 11 45 103 289 771
25 X 11 45 103 289 771
42 X X 17 38 107 284
67 X X X 26 73 193
109 X X X X 53 140
176 X X X X X 86 X = Not recommended

5 metres length differential in active tube length

Maximum number of holes per row in round with different combinations of
surface connector units.
Delay b
be
etween h
ho
oles Delay be
between h
ho
ole ro
rows
in the same row Milliseconds
Milliseconds 17 25 42 67 109 176
17 X 7 39 94 275 748
25 X 7 39 94 275 748
42 X X 15 35 101 275
67 X X X 24 69 187
109 X X X X 50 136
176 X X X X X 84 X = Not recommended

The stated limitations in the number of holes per row assume asymmetric connection,
i.e. that the rows are connected at one edge of the round. In the case of rounds
connected symmetrically, i.e. from the centre outward in both directions, twice as many
holes per row can be connected without contravening Swedish Standard SS 4990707.

27
 UNIDET firing plan No. 5

194 177 160 143 126 143 160

152 135 118 101 84 101 118

110 93 76 59 42 59 76

68 51 34 17 0 17 34...

42 ms delay between rows and 17 ms between the holes in the rows.

Plow-shaped initiation with good wide hole-spacing effect.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
SL 17 should not be used between rows, or the risk of overlapping will exceed what is
permissible under Swedish Standard SS 4990707. In all other combinations where the
delay time between the holes in the rows is shorter than the delay time between rows,
the risk of overlapping does not contravene Swedish Standard SS 4990707.

28
UNIDET firing plan No. 6

378 361 344 327 344 361

269 252 235 218 235 252

160 143 126 109 126 143

51 34 17 0 17 34

Firing plan with 109 ms delay between rows and 17 ms between the
holes in the rows. Suitable for rounds with holes of relatively large di-
ameter and commensurately large burden. Holes connected row-by-row
toward the rear of the round.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
SL 17 should not be used between rows, or the risk of overlapping will exceed what is
permissible under Swedish Standard SS 4990707. In all other combinations where the
delay time between the holes in the rows is shorter than the delay time between rows,
the risk of overlapping
overlapping does not contravene Swedish Standard
Standard SS 4990707.

29
 UNIDET firing plan No. 7

755 713 671 629 587 545 587 629...

646 604 562 520 478 436 478 520...

537 495 453 411 369 327 369 411...

428 386 344 302 260 218 260 302...

319 277 235 193 151 109 151 193...

42 84...
210 168 126 84 42 0

U 500

U 500

Firing plan with a delay of 109 ms between rows and 42 ms between the
holes in the rows. Suitable for rounds with holes of relatively large di-
ameter and commensurately large burden. Holes are connected row-by-
row toward the rear. Two detonators are used in each hole, which is
recommended when the rock is cracked or fissured and bulk explosives
are used. In this case, the top detonator has been connected to a connec-
tor block that is initiated 42 ms later than the block that initiates the
bottom detonator. This is designed to prevent, as far as possible, the top
detonator from initiating before the bottom one.
Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
SL 17 should not be used between rows, or the risk of overlapping will exceed what is
permissible under Swedish Standard SS 4990707. In all other combinations where the
delay time between the holes in the rows is shorter than the delay time between rows,
the risk of overlapping does not contravene Swedish Standard SS 4990707.

30
UNIDET firing plan No. 8

413 396 379 362 345 370 387

430

346 329 312 295 278 261 286 303

262 245 228 211 194 177 202 219

203 186 169 152 135 118 143 160

144 127 110 93 76 59 84 101

85 68 51 34 17 0 25 42

By means of diagonal connection, the delay between rows can be well

adapted to local conditions. In this case, diagonal connection gives a
delay of 17 + 42 ms = 59 ms between rows and a delay of 17 ms be-
tween the holes in the rows. The Snapline 67 connector block is used in
the last two rows to increase the delay in these rows to 84 ms, which
often gives better breakage and throw.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
Max. 32 rows of holes can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
5 metres length differential in active tube length
Max. 29 rows of holes can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.

31
 UNIDET firing plan No. 9

59 118 177 236 295 354...

0 17 76 135 194 253

Simple zigzag connection with 101 ms delay between rows and 59 ms

between the holes in the rows. At the beginning of the loop, however,
the delay times are shorter, i.e. 59 ms and 17 ms. A good plan if only
two rows are to be fired.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
NONE

32
 UNIDET firing plan No. 10

431
295 312 329 346 363 380 397
414

236 253 270 287 304 321 338 355

177 194 211 228 245 262 279 296

118 135 152 169 186 203 220 237

0 59 76 93 110 127 144 161 178

17 34 51 68 85 102 136
119

U 500

U 500

Connected with two detonators in each hole. Can be a good safety pre-
caution if there is water in the holes or if there are other reasons to be
concerned about the possibility of interruptions in the explosives col-
umn. In this plan there is a 59 ms delay between rows and 17 ms be-
tween the holes in the rows. The upper detonator is connected diago-
nally to the block for the next hole, which gives it a 17 ms delay. This
normally ensures initiation of the bottom detonator first.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
A maximum
maximum of 30 rows of
of holes can be co
connected
nnected without contravening
contravening
Swedish Standard 4990707.
5 metres length differential in active tube length
A maximum
maximum of 27 rows of
of holes can be co
connected
nnected without contravening
contravening
Swedish Standard 4990707.

33
 UNIDET firing plan No. 11

1290 1048 1006 964 922 880 905 947...

1114 872 830 788 746 704 729 771...

938 696 654 612 570 528 553 595...

762 520 478 436 394 352 377 419...

596 344 302 260 218 176 201 243...

420 168 126 84 42 0 25 67...

U 500

U 500

A 176 ms delay between rows, with a 42 ms delay between the holes in

the rows in one direction and 25 ms in the other. Gives each hole a
unique delay time. Good wide hole-spacing effect. This plan is very
reliable, since each hole is initiated by two detonators connected to sepa-
rate connector blocks.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
SL 17 should not be used between rows, or the risk of overlapping will exceed what is
permissible under Swedish Standard SS 4990707. In all other combinations where the
delay time between the holes in the rows is shorter than the delay time between rows,
the risk of overlapping does not contravene Swedish Standard SS 4990707.

34
 UNIDET firing plan No. 12

376 351 326 301 276 301 326

259 234 209 184 209 234

167 142 117 92 117 142

75 50 25 0 25 50

U 500

U 500

Extra reliability through double initiation lines.

25 + 67 = 92 ms delay between rows and 25 ms between the holes in the
rows. There are two detonators in each hole, which can be a good pre-
caution in cracked or fissured rock and when using bulk explosives. To
avoid top initiation as far as possible, the upper detonator is connected
to a block that detonates later than the block to which the bottom deto-
nator is connected.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
In both symmetric and asymmetric connection, an unlimited number of holes and rows
can be connected without contravening Swedish Standar
Standardd SS 4990707.

35
 UNIDET firing plan No. 13

59 118 177 236 295

0 17 76 135 194 253

U 450

U 475

U 500

Three-deck charge in each hole for sites where there are restrictions on
vibration. Each sub-charge has its own delay time. There is a 101 ms
delay between rows and 59 ms between the holes in the rows (with the
exception of holes 1 and 2 in the first row).

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
Complies with Swedish Standard SS 4990707.

36
 UNIDET firing plan No. 14

420 437 454 471 488 505 522 539

336 353 370 387 404 421 438 455

252 269 286 303 320 337 354 371

168 185 202 219 236 253 270 287

84 101 118 135 152 169 186 203

0 0 17 34 51 68 85 102 119

U 450

U 475

U 500

Firing plan for blasting with three-deck charge in each hole. There are
two detonators in each charge. Two parallel initiation lines give a delay
of 84 ms between rows, with 17 ms between the holes in the rows. Plan
demonstrates that NONEL UNIDET,
UNIDET, together with Snapline connector
blocks, can be used in the most complicated of situations.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
A maximum
maximum of 43 rows of
of holes can be co
connected
nnected without contravening
contravening
Swedish Standard 4990707.
5 metres length differential in active tube length
A maximum
maximum of 41 rows of
of holes can be co
connected
nnected without contravening
contravening
Swedish Standard 4990707.

37
 UNIDET firing plan No. 15

453 436 436 436 436 453

378 361 344 327 344 361

269 252 235 218 235 252

160 143 126 109 126 143

0
51 34 17 17 34

Smooth blasting with NONEL UNIDET

UNIDET.. The smooth-blast row is deto-
nated last in the round.
Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
0 metres length differential in active tube length
Number of holes that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
No. of rows 4 11 16
Max. No. of holes per row 14 12 10
The values assume symmetric connection, i.e. connection in
the centre of the row and outward in both directions.

5 metres length differential in active tube length

Number of holes that can be connected without contravening
Swedish Standard SS 4990707.
No. of rows 3 10 16
Max. No. of holes per row 14 12 10
The values assume symmetric connection, i.e. connection in
the centre of the row and outward in both directions.

38
 UNIDET firing plan No. 16

0 0
0 0
0 0

395 378 361 344 361 378

286 269 252 235 252 269

177 160 143 126
143 160

68 51 34 17 34 51

Pre-splitting with NONEL UNIDET. Best results are obtained if deto-

nating cord can be used (3.6 or 5.0 g/m) to initiate the pre-split row (bear
in mind the airborne shock wave).
N.B. The detonating cord should be located at least 20 cm away from
the NONEL tubes in the round in order to avoid cut-offs of the tubes.

Risk of overlapping:
overlapping:
No limitation in the round part. However, pre-split row will detonate first.

39
 UNIDET firing plan No. 17 221 238

204

170 187

Simple connection of pipeline trench us- 153

ing only 3 components, which can be re- 119 136

duced to 2 if the Snapline 0 connector 102
block is replaced with a Snapline 17. 68 85

51
17 34
0

UNIDET firing plan No. 18

500 542 584 626...

475 517 559 601... U 475

U 500
500 542 584 626...

Pipeline trench blasting with UNIDET U475 detonators in the centre

holes and U500 in the outer holes. A delay of 42 ms between rows gives
good breaking geometry in the round.

40
NONEL LP

NONEL LP has been developed for drift and tunnel blasting, where longer
delay times are needed to give enough time for the rock to break free
and be thrown away from the face.
The LP series detonators have the following nominal delay times:
No. 0 25 ms No. 14
14 1400 ms
1 100 ms 16 1600 ms
2 200 ms 18 1800 ms
3 300 ms 20 2075 ms
4 400 ms 25 2500 ms
5 500 ms 30 3000 ms
6 600 ms 35 3500 ms
7 700 ms 40 4000 ms
8 800 ms 45 4500 ms
9 900 ms 50 5000 ms
10 1000 ms 55 5500 ms
11 1110 ms 60 6000 ms
12 1235 ms

41
 Firing plan LP 1

45 45
45
45
30
30 30
45 45

50 35 35 50

20 16 20 25
40 40
25 30

40 18 12 14 18 25 40
10

8 3 7

40 16 9 4 2 9 16 20 40

5 1 6

10
50 18 14 12 18 25 50

55 50 50 50 50 50 50 55

The round is charged conventionally, with the lowest period number

nearest the large-diameter relief hole and the highest out at the contour.
Initiation can be effected by means of bunch connectors. Connect the
NONEL tube from the bunch connectors to a Snapline 0 connector block
or a NONEL STARTER.
Note that LP detonator No. 0 has not been used in the firing plan. (It
may,, however, be advisable to keep it as a spare in case the relief hole is
may
full of water. The water can then be blown out of the hole using a weak
charge that detonates first.)
The length differential between the initiation points on the respective NONEL
tubes and their in-hole detonators should not exceed 5 metres.

42
Initiation
Initiation by means of bunch connectors
The bunch connector is only intended for use hanging freely on the
tunnel face.

Gather at least 5 but maximum 20 NONEL

tubes into a bunch.

Bind the bunch together with tape as close as

possible to the face of the tunnel. Apply
another band of tape 40
4 0 cm out from the first
binding.

Insert the bunch through a loop of 5 g/m

detonating cord. Fit a Snapline 0 connector
block to the loop and slide it up against the
bunch of tubes.

Make sure the Snapline connector block and

detonating cord are located at least 20 cm
away from the tape point nearest the tunnel
face. Press the Snapline connector block
against the bunch of NONEL tubes and snap it
shut by pressing the cover down into the
locked position. Now connect the leads
le ads from
the Snapline connector blocks on the
respective bunch connectors into a Snapline 0
connector block and pull the bunch connectors
away from the tunnel face. N.B. Make sure
that none of the bunch connectors is located
any closer than 20 cm to other NONEL tubes.

43
 Firing plan LP 2

45 45
45
45
30
30 30
45 45

50 35 35 50

20 16 20 25
40 40
25 30

40 18 12 14 18 25 40
10

8 3 7

40 16 9 4 2 9 16 20 40

5 1 6

10
50 18 14 12 18 25 50

55 50 50 50 50 50 50 55

If there areby
alleviated restrictions on vibration
delaying half the face atbythe
42worksite, the problem
ms (for instance), canthis
as in be
case. The solution gives a greater spread and reduces the risk of charges
detonating simultaneously
simultaneously..
In this case, LP detonator No. 0 cannot be used, since a hole with a
delay of only 25 ms would detonate before the detonators bunch-con-
nected to the Snapline 42 connector blocks could be activated, thus in-
curring an obvious risk of cut-offs of the NONEL tubes.

44
 Firing plan LP 3

+67 ms +109 ms
25 25 25 25
25 25
30 30
30 30
30 16 16 30
35 16 16
35 35
18 18 35
35 35
18 12 12 18
40 40
12 12
40 18 14 14 18 40
10 10
20 20

14 12 10 10 12 14
20 9 9 20

20 4 20
14 12 10 8 5 5 8 10 12 14
2 2
25 14 12
12 9 7 7 9 12
12 14 25
4 1 4
3 3
50 16 14 10 8 5 5 8 10 14 16 50
4
55 50 50 45 45 45 45
45 45 45 50 50 55

±0 ms +176 ms +42 ms

Firing plan LP 4

+67 ms +109 ms

±0 ms +176 ms +42 ms

By using Snapline connector blocks with different delays, the risk of

simultaneous
In this case, 5 detonation in sensitive
different Snapline environments
blocks can to
have been used begive
reduced.
a greater
spread in detonation times.
The lowest delay time in the cut is 100 ms (LP det. No. 1) in order to
avoid cut-offs of the NONEL tubes.
45
 Firing plan LP 5

+67 ms +109 ms
2667 2567 2609 2609
2567 2609
3067 3109
3067 3109
1667 1709 3109
3067
3567 1667 1709 3609

3609
3567 1867 1909
1302 1309
3567 3609
1867 1909
4067 1302 1309 4109

1867 1467 1067 1109 1509 1909

4067 4109

2142 2184

1467 1267 1067 967 1009 1109 1309 1509

2142 2184

2075 1400 576

1235 1000 800 842 1042 1277 1442 2117
676 676
2075 376 376 2542
1400 1235 900 700 276 742 942 1277 1442
576 576

5000 1600 1400 1000 800 476 476 842 1042 1442 1642 5042
676 576 676

5500 5000 5000 4500 4500 4676 4676 4542 4542 5042 5042 5542

±0 ms +176 ms +42 ms

Nominal times according to connection arrangement shown on

preceding page.

46
Initiation by means of detonating cord

In bunch initiation using detonating cord, at least 5 but maximum 20

NONEL tubes are gathered into a bunch and taped together as close as
possible to the tunnel face.
A second tape binding is applied approximately 40 cm from the face.
A clove hitch is then tied around the bunch using 3.6 or 5 g/m detonating
cord, and tightened at least 20 cm away from the tape point nearest the
tunnel face.

45 45
45
45
30
45 30 30
45
50 35 35
50

20 16 20 25
40 40
25 30

40 18 12 14 18 25 40
10

8 3 7

40 16 9 4 2 9 16 20 40

5 6
1

10
50 18 14 12 18 25 50

55 50 50 50 50 50 50 55

The bunches are then connected together with detonating

deto nating cord and pulled
away from the tunnel face. The detonating cord should be tensioned so
that it does not lie too close (min. 20 cm) to the NONEL tubes, other-
wise there is a risk of the shock wave from the detonating cord to cut off
the NONEL tubes without initiating them.

47
 Initiation with the aid of Dynoline

The simplest and safest way to initiate NONEL rounds is with the aid of
Dynoline, which is NONEL tube supplied in rolls of 750 or 1500 metres.
A suitable length of Dynoline is connected between the leader on the
first Snapline connector block in the round and the DynoStart blasting
machine that is used to initiate the round.
(NONEL rounds can also be initiated by means of an electric detona-
tor - see page 51).

48
The glue plug or sealing weld in the NONEL tube from the Snapline
block must be cut off and the tube connected to the Dynoline by means
of an outer tube 4 cm in length
l ength (cut from the outer tube supplied with the
roll of Dynoline). The NONEL tube must be pressed into the outer tube
by at least 1 cm. The Dynoline should then be drawn out to the chosen
firing site.

When the round is ready for firing, connect the Dynoline to a blasting
machine (type DynoStart) by inserting the tube into the
t he chuck as far as
it will go. Do not turn the chuck.

49
 To initiate the round, press the “CHARGING” button until the light-
emitting-diode (LED) lights constantly. Then, keeping the “CHARG-
ING” button depressed, press the “FIRING” button.

50
Initiation by electric detonator

NONEL rounds can also be initiated by means of an el electric

ectric detonator.
In this case, the detonator is connected to the lead of the first Snapline
connector block in the round (preferably a Snapline 0). The detonator
must be connected firmly to the lead using insulation tape, and the bot-
tom of the detonator must point in the direction in which lead on the
connector block is required to initiate.
N.B.
To protect the NONEL tubes in the round from shrapnel from the elec-
tric detonator, the detonator must be well covered with soil or drill cut-
tings. Ideally,
Ideally, it should be located at least 5 metres away from the round.
This can be achieved by connecting a suitable length of Dynoline to the
lead on the Snapline connector block (see page 48 for instructions) and
connecting the electric detonator to the opposite end of the Dynoline.
N.B.
When an electric detonator is connected to t o the round, you are subject to
the same risks as in electric initiation as far as lightning, static electric-
ity
ity,, stray currents, etc. are concerned. For this and other safety reasons,
the detonator must NOT be connected to the Snapline connector block
until the round has been connected up completely and firing is about to
take place.

51
 Destruction
Destroying detonators
Detonators that are damaged or too old must not be used. They must be
destroyed.

Individual undamaged detonators

can be destroyed by detonating
them in conjunction with the firing
of a round. Cut the tubes off the
detonators and drop the detonators
one-by-one into one or more of the
drill holes. They will detonate when
the round is fired.

Detonators can also be exploded by

taping them to an explosive cartridge
and then detonating the cartridge. If
the cartridge is detonated in the open
air,
air, bear in mind the potential hazards
posed by shrapnel and airborne shock
waves.

If larger quantities of detonators need to be destroyed due to damage or

age, please contact Dyno Nobel or your nearest Dyno Nobel representa-
tive.

Destroying NONEL tubes

With the aid of a DynoStart blasting machine, initiate and burn out the
reactive substance in the tube and then send it to:
1. A recycling site
2. A garbage dump
3. An incineration site.

Destroying detonating cord

1. Connect the detonating cord to a detonator and fire the detonator.
Bear in mind the risk of shrapnel and airborne shock waves.
2. Drop the detonating cord into a blast hole together with the explo-
sives and let it detonate with the round.

52
 Dealing with misfires
If undetonated holes are encountered after blasting, the following pro-
cedure can be followed:

A B C D E F G

Risk zone evacuated

1 and guarded. Signal, fire,
wait, check.

Completely
2 OK
Misfire

Muck out

Part of
3 Whole round
round

Report
New starter
Isolated Several
4 Check

B1
misfires misfires

Report
Assess
Uninitiated Undetonated entirety
5 tube charge Treat as C4

Report
New starter
Open
6 Check

B1
charge
Stemming

Report
Uncover

7 New primer,
new starter
Easy Difficult

Check

B1 Report
Blow out
Can be
Must
8 New primer
and starter
saved for
next round
be fired

Check
Report Report
B1
Notify, mark, Flush out
guard if and scale
necessary alongside
Re-charge

B1

Note
Note:: Th
Thee rel
relev
evan
antt saf
safet
ety
y rreg
egul
ulat
atio
ions
ns
in each country must be observed.
 53

Fact sheet for

NONEL system
The NONEL system is not intended for use in gaseous environ-
ments such as underground coal mines or other locations in which
explosive
explosionsgases can occur.
can occur
occur.. Nor is it intended for use where dust
The NONEL system is approved for use with the products de-
scribed in this booklet only. Since the use of NONEL products
togetherr with other shock tube initiation systems has not been
togethe
tested and approved, it cannot be recommended
recomme nded and does not come
with any guarantees in respect of function.

Recommended temperature
range in which NONEL can be used
- Surface: -35° C to +50° C
- Inside drill hole: -25° C to +70° C

Recommended storage
temperature: below +50° C

Maximum hydrostatic
pressure (water): 3 bar for 7 days

Tensile strength (tube): 25 kg at +20° C for 2 minutes, which resul

results
ts in
elongation to approx. 2.5 times original length
15 kg at +70° C for 2 minutes, which resul
results
ts in
elongation to approx. 3 times original length

Elongation: After elongation to 3 times original length,

detonation velocity remains within
specification, i.e. 2100 m/s ± 20%.

Tensile strength -
joint between
between
detonator and tube: 4 kg for 2 minutes (up to +50° C)

NONEL detonators are vacuum-packed in aluminium-foil bags. They may be

stored for 2 years from the date of manufacture in an unbroken bag. Products
in broken bags should be used within 3 months.
NONEL products should be stored in a well ventilated explosive magazine.
54

Assurance of product compliance with EC Directive 93/15/EEC

(Explosives for civil use)

Manufacturer: Dyno Nobel Europe, Gyttorp, S-713 82 Nora, Sweden

Te
Tel:
l: +46
Dyno 587 Europe
Nobel 85000 isFax: +46 587
a division 25660 Dyno Nobel.
of DYNO,

Manufacturer’ss representative within EU/EES

Manufacturer’
(with regard to verification of conformity with essential safety demands):
Nitro Nobel AB, Gyttorp, S-713 82, Nora, Sweden
Te
Tel:
l: +46 587 85000 Fax: +46 587 25660

Product: Non-electric blast initiation system including non-electric detonators.

Trademark: NONEL® detonators

EC Directive applicable to the product:

Explosives for civil use (93/15/EEC).

Standards or technical norms that apply:

• Swedish Standard SS 499 07 07, edition 1, 1990: Initiation
Initiation systems w
with
ith non-electric signal
signal
conductors of low energy type - General requirements and testing.
• SP Method 1939:28, edition 1, 1995: Type
Type testing and testing
testing of conformity to type of electric
detonators and initiation systems with non-electric signal conductors of low energy type - Marking.
• SP Method 1939:29, edition 1, 1995: TypeType testing and testing
testing of conformity to type of
electric detonators and initiation systems with non-electric signal conductors of low energy
type - Manufacturer’s product specification design basis information.
• SP Method 1939:30, edition 1, 1995: TypeType testing and testing
testing of conformity to type of
electric detonators and initiation systems with non-electric signal conductors of low energy
type - Manufacturer’s instructions for use.

EC type-examination certificate (ref. 158401)

issued by Notified Body (ID No. 0402) for explosives for civil use:
SP - Swedish National Testing
Testing and Research Institute, Box 857, S-501 15 BorÂs, Sweden.
Tel: +46 33 165000; Fax: +46 33 135502.
NONEL® detonators comply in full with the product for which the EC type-examination
certificate has been issued.

The manufacturer’s representative

representative within EU/EES assures at its own risk that the product to which this assurance
refers complies with the essential safety demands in EC Directive 93/15/EEC.
However, since the product is not intended for use in dangerous environments (e.g. those in which explosive mine gases
However,
occur), it does not meet the essential safety demands specified in clause II.1.h, enclosure I, of EC Directive 93/15/EEC.

Nitro Nobel AB
(Legal entity)

Date Signature Position

Jan Carreman Managing Director