Home
Bio-Chemistry Seniors Making Bio-Diesel
Mr. Howard's senior Bio-Chemistry class investigated the possibilities or re-using the cafeteria's cooking oil to turn it into bio-diesel.
Andrew Piasecki ’17, Thomas Underwood ’17, Samuel Laurent ’17, Thomas Mogan ’17, Langston Puller ’17, and James (JC) Ralff '17 were challenged by their Bio-Chemistry teacher, Mr. Howard, to spend their fourth term working on a research project. They decided to try to take the old cooking oil from the cafeteria and turn it into bio-diesel - an experiment in clean energy creation. They spent their science classes, as well as their unscheduled periods, in the lab working on their project. In the end, they were able to create bio-diesel at approximately 1/4 of the strength of the diesel needed to run an engine.
There were some surprises along the way, like the amount of waste that remains as a result of the process. One by-product was glycerin. Faced with what to do with all the remaining glycerin, they did some more research and learned they could use it to make soap. Is there potential for fueling the tractors and filling the soap dispensers at Xaverian? Maybe someday! (But we're not quite there yet).
Pictured here (l to r): Samuel Laurent, JC Ralff, Thomas Mogan, Andrew Piasecki, Langston Puller, and Thomas Underwood
Xaverian Brothers High School
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.
