High gas prices lead to fuel innovation

Josh Barrett, owner of Heights Tile and Stone, figured out how to run his truck on biodiesel. 

When gas prices rose to more than four dollars a gallon, Josh Barrett, owner of Heights Tile and Stone, decided to pursue a chemistry project which, for a few months, turned him into something of a mad scientist.

He got rid of his antiquated gas-guzzler, bought a diesel truck, and taught himself how to make biodiesel fuel. The internet sources he used for guidance made it seem simple. Get used cooking oil; add lye and methanol; heat, mix and wash and —Ta Da—you’ve got biodiesel.

The reality was not so fast, or easy. Barrett began the project in April and his truck finally began running on biodiesel in July. Sometimes tubes clogged, oil overheated, or the wrong ratio of lye and methanol created some terrific soap. Each new setback demanded an increasingly creative solution.

Barrett solved one problem by taking advantage of this summer’s excruciating heat wave. The oil needs to be heated, washed and finally cleared of the water used in the washing phase. Using the sun's heat instead of an electric hot water heater made the heating and evaporation process more economical and better for the environment.

Another hurdle was finding a steady source of oil. Barrett sought help from the community, and Tommy Fello, owner of Tommy’s Restaurant on Coventry, came to his aid. For those who want  to create biodiesel fuel, Fello has made it easy by reserving and making available the used oil from his restaurant.

When you see a white truck with a "Praise the Lard" bumper sticker around Cleveland Heights, know that the guy behind the wheel had the tenacity to overcome months of challenges in order to make
his business—and our community—a little bit cleaner.

For more information, contact Barrett at josh@heights-tile-stone.com.

Robin Koslen

Robin Koslen grew up in the Heights, rasied her kids in the Heights, and now enjoys being a grandma in the Heights.

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Volume 4, Issue 9, Posted 1:41 PM, 08.23.2011