[31] Pressure transfer (1)

The fluid pressure p_1 exerts a force F_1 on the surface A_1 which is transferred via the piston rod to the small piston. The force F_1 thus acts on the surface A_2 and produces the fluid pressure p2 . Since the piston area A_2 is smaller than the piston area A_1, the pressure p_2 must be larger than the pressure p_1.

The pressure-transfer (pressure-intensification) effect is put to practical use in pneumatic/hydraulic pressure intensifiers and also in purely hydraulic systems when extremely high pressures are required which a pump cannot deliver.