Centrifugal separators make use of the common principle that an object

whirled about an axis or center point a constant radial distance from the
point is acted on by a force. The object being whirled about an axis is
constantly changing direction and is thus accelerating, even though the
rotational speed is constant. This centripetal force acts in a direction
toward the center of rotation.

If the object being rotated is a cylindrical container, the contents of fluid

and solids exert an equal and opposite force, called centrifugal force,
outward to the walls of the container. This is the force that causes settling
or sedimentation of particles through a layer of liquid or filtration of a liquid
through a bed of filter cake held inside a perforated rotating chamber.