What fundamental principle does a centrifugal purifier operate on?

A centrifugal purifier operates on the fundamental principle of centrifugal force. This force is generated when the purifier's spinning drum rotates at high speed, creating a strong outward force that acts on the materials inside. When a mixture, such as fuel or oil, is fed into the purifier, the denser particles, such as impurities or contaminants, are forced to the outer edge of the drum due to centrifugal force. This separation allows the lighter, cleaner liquid to be collected from the center.

Centrifugal purifiers are particularly effective because they can separate solids from liquids based on differences in density, making it easier to remove unwanted particles from fluids used in various maritime applications. This principle is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of machinery and equipment on vessels, as it helps ensure that only clean fluids are circulated through systems.

In contrast, the other options relate to different physical phenomena that do not apply to the operational mechanics of a centrifugal purifier.