It is not uncommon to see well-used ovens and dryers — perhaps 40 or 50 years old, in some cases — in plants throughout the process industries.

It’s a point of pride that I have every issue of Process Heating ever published cataloged in a small library in my home office. Admittedly, it’s not as tidy as you might find at your local library. I tend to stack issues that I “check out” on the floor in front of the library until it’s time to clean my office. And, while my lazy filing means a career as a bibliophilic cataloger is doubtful, it also provides opportunities for rediscovery.

Back in my college days, I was introduced to Peter F. Drucker and his work on leadership, management, labor and economics. One of his famous quotes has stuck with me: “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” At first glance, that statement seems obvious. But what are those “right things?” What makes a good leader?

Mark it down: 2019 is going to be the year I keep my New Year’s resolution. And, all it took was a little technology. Could such simple swap work for you?

An affectionate, time-worn habit among my friends and family is to tease me about how temperature sensitive I am. Perhaps it is the effect of covering thermal processing for more than 20 years (though I doubt it), but I can sense even a degree or two difference in the ambient temperature.

As in the classic “chicken or the egg” causality dilemma, I often wonder whether I simply notice delicious irony, or if I create the situations that give rise to my bemused delight.

In my cub reporter days, I worked part-time at a service station and auto parts store. My job primarily consisted of accepting payment from those purchasing gas and selling the sundries one might pick up at a neighborhood quick-stop shop. 

I’m proud to bring the readers of Process Heating the opportunity to learn about thermal fluid heating safety with no-cost webinar on September 27 at 2 p.m. E.T. Join us live or register in advance and watch the recorded even on demand.

As you may notice while turning the pages of this issue, for the first time in more than a decade, Process Heating is publishing a full slate of technical articles instead of our annual Products Guide. 

The long days of late spring and early summer are finally upon us, and I relish seeing blue skies even as I return home from running errands in the evenings. Aside from the warmer ambient temperatures, I love this time of year most because it is so nap friendly. A quick snooze on the couch after dinner can be enjoyed, and I can still enjoy streaming sunshine as I resume my daily duties.