Which of the following are considered types of around-the-pump foam systems?

• A. In-line foam eductors and self-educting nozzles
• B. Portable foam generators and extinguishers
• C. Foam pockets and foam bags
• D. Foam nozzles with external adapters

Answer: (A)

Around-the-pump foam systems mix foam concentrate into the water stream right at the pump discharge, using an eductor in the supply line or a nozzle that educts foam at the outlet. In-line foam eductors sit in the discharge line and draw concentrate into the water as it flows, while self-educting nozzles perform the foaming action at the nozzle itself, pulling foam concentrate through a suction path and combining it with the water. Both methods integrate foam application directly into the pump operation, enabling rapid, on-scene foam deployment without separate equipment.

Portable foam generators and extinguishers are external devices that aren’t integrated into the pump’s discharge path, so they aren’t considered around-the-pump systems. Foam pockets and foam bags are containers for concentrate rather than devices that educt foam into the water stream. Foam nozzles with external adapters may be used in some setups, but the defining around-the-pump methods are the eductor and self-educting nozzle designs that draw concentrate into the water within the pump discharge system itself.