Hydraulic intensifier principle Statement: A hydraulic intensifier increases the pressure (intensity) of water using the energy available from a large flow at low pressure.

Introduction / Context:
Hydraulic intensifiers are used when a system needs a short-duration, high-pressure fluid supply but only a low-pressure source is available. They convert energy from a larger-volume, low-pressure stream into a smaller-volume, high-pressure output by force balance across areas.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Incompressible fluid behavior and negligible leakage.
• Two interconnected pistons or rams with different effective areas.
• Quasi-static (hydrostatic) operation governed by Pascal's law.

Concept / Approach:
By applying a low pressure to a large-area piston, a larger force is generated that acts on a smaller-area piston, producing a higher pressure on the outlet side. Energy is conserved neglecting losses: low-pressure side provides high flow at low pressure; high-pressure side delivers low flow at high pressure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Input pressure p1 acts over area A1 ⇒ force F1 = p1 * A1.This force drives a smaller area A2 piston ⇒ output pressure p2 = F1 / A2.Thus p2 = p1 * (A1 / A2) > p1 when A1 > A2, intensifying pressure.Flow is reduced proportionally to satisfy energy balance (neglecting losses).

Verification / Alternative check:
Industrial intensifiers (ram or differential piston types) follow the same area-ratio principle; measured efficiencies < 100% due to friction and leakage but pressure multiplication remains.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Incorrect” contradicts the device's purpose. The working fluid can be water or oil. Draft tubes relate to turbines, not intensifiers. Intensifiers do not reduce pressure; they multiply it.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing intensifiers with accumulators (which store energy) or boosters (which may be gas-driven but share a similar area-ratio idea).

Final Answer:
Correct