Which distance is the minimum separation between buried mortars and the wall of troughs or drums?

Which distance is the minimum separation between buried mortars and the wall of troughs or drums?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 3 inches
• C. 2 inches
• D. 4 inches

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a small air gap around buried mortars is about preventing direct contact and limiting heat and blast effects from reaching the wall of the trough or drum. The minimum separation required is two inches. That gap helps absorb misfire energy, keeps fragments from striking the trough wall, and reduces heat transfer into the container, which could compromise the wall or drum. If the gap were smaller, such as one inch, the mortar casing could press against the wall during firing, increasing risk. Larger gaps, like three or four inches, are not necessary to meet the minimum safety standard, though extra clearance may be used if the layout or conditions call for it.

Maintaining a small air gap around buried mortars is about preventing direct contact and limiting heat and blast effects from reaching the wall of the trough or drum. The minimum separation required is two inches. That gap helps absorb misfire energy, keeps fragments from striking the trough wall, and reduces heat transfer into the container, which could compromise the wall or drum. If the gap were smaller, such as one inch, the mortar casing could press against the wall during firing, increasing risk. Larger gaps, like three or four inches, are not necessary to meet the minimum safety standard, though extra clearance may be used if the layout or conditions call for it.