What is the principle of relay pumping?

The principle of relay pumping involves using a series of pumps to efficiently transport water over long distances. This technique is essential in situations where the fire source is located far from a water supply, as it allows for the continuous movement of water by connecting multiple pumping units in a sequence. Each pump in the relay contributes to building pressure necessary to push the water along the entire distance to the fire. This method ensures that the farthest pump from the water source can still receive sufficient water pressure to operate effectively, maximizing the reach and efficiency of the overall firefighting operation.

In relay pumping, each pump acts as a booster, ensuring that water reaches its destination despite significant geographic obstacles or the limitations of a single pump, which might not provide enough pressure on its own. The ability to maintain an unmanned supply of water over a considerable distance is what sets this approach apart from other methods that might focus on local distribution or fuel conservation.