Memories of Perkasie

Karl F. Schoeller Sr.


and the


​Blood Plasma Invention

"We've Come a Long Way" by Mary Schoeller

During the World War II years, the late Perkasie resident, Karl F. Schoeller Sr., participated in development of a process to separate plasma from whole blood. The plasma could then be used in the battlefields “so that everyone could receive the same life-giving fluid regardless of blood type.”
The experiment was led by Dr. Reichel at the Chester County estate of Hollis Wolstenholme. Karl was asked for his help with the refrigeration aspect of the project.

The process involved centrifuging or spinning blood at a high speed, to separate the liquid and solid components. When the centrifuge was immersed in an icy bath the plasma would freeze against the wall of the tank. The plasma could then “be scraped off in its frozen state and flown to its destination.”
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After many hours of “trying alternate methods that might give better results and coping with unit failures at crucial moments, the process was successful." Karl then helped install similar equipment at Walter Reed Hospital, The Army War College and at Ben Venue Laboratories in Ohio.
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Karl’s associates at the Laboratory encouraged him to apply for a patent for his design of a vapor condenser. On September 26, 1944 the patent was issued. For Karl, “owning a patent had no monetary value, although it did much for his self-esteem.”

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Karl F. and Mary Schoeller

​After the war years, Karl F. and Mary Schoeller constructed a building at 619 Market Street where they operated an appliance store, electrical and refrigeration business. Karl Schoeller sold the business to his son, Karl Jr. in 1963.

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We’ve Come a Long Way by Mary Schoeller


Rick Doll 2022