Final answer:
Pigtail connections to the trunkline in a single row blasting pattern should be at 90 degrees or follow the direction of detonation to ensure effective transmission of the detonation wave, prevent misfires, and ensure synchronized blasts for controlled results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the proper alignment of pigtail connections to the trunkline in a single row blasting pattern, specifically regarding the angle at which these connections should be made. Ensuring that these connections are maintained at 90 degrees or in the general direction of the path of detonation is critical to the efficiency and safety of a blasting operation. When connections are made at 90 degrees to the trunkline, it allows for the most effective transmission of the detonation wave through the pigtail. This orientation also avoids any premature branching of the detonation wave which could result in misfires or uneven blasting. In addition, aligning in the direction of the detonation path ensures synchronization of the blast, which is vital for controlled blasting and achieving the desired fragmentation and displacement of rock or material.