Gravitationally Induced Density Gradients near the Liquid-Liquid Critical Solution Point

Analysis of sedimentation in a binary mixutre near a liquid-liquid critical solution point shows that, as a result of the divergence of the sedimentation rate, a density inversion occurs. At high gravitational fields (10⁵ normal gravity) the inversion can occur as much as 1-3 K above Tc. Turbulence associated with the inversion gives the appearance of phase separation.