What is an operational disadvantage of an around the pump foam system?

An operational disadvantage of an around the pump (ATP) foam system is that it cannot take advantage of incoming pressures. This is a key characteristic of ATP systems, as they mix foam concentrate with water after the pump, which means they rely solely on the pressure created by the pump itself.

In contrast, foam systems that utilize a different approach may be able to incorporate higher incoming pressures, which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of foam application. By being unable to leverage incoming pressures, an ATP system may face challenges in achieving the desired flow rates and pressures needed for effective foam distribution, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.

This limitation impacts the system’s overall performance in enhancing fire suppression operations, as firefighters may not be able to produce the optimal foam solution required for particular fire scenarios.