Continuous fractionation of human plasma.

Continuous processing has been applied to human plasma fractionation by the cold ethanol process. On-line pH control of +/- 0.05 pH units, flow control of +/- 1%, and temperature control of +/- 0.5 degree C have been achieved. Optimization of precipitation pHs has been carried out for purifying plasma protein fractions and albumin. During precipitation, the irreversible nature of the pH overshoots has been demonstrated. Compared to the batch processing mode, the continuous scheme produces an increased yield between 6 to 11%.