How do you evaluate the effectiveness and cost-benefit of corrosion and wear prevention strategies?

1 Define the problem

The first step in evaluating corrosion and wear prevention strategies is to define the problem clearly and comprehensively. You need to identify the type, extent, and mechanism of corrosion and wear that affect your system or component, and the factors that influence them, such as environment, stress, temperature, fluid, and load. You also need to determine the performance criteria, design requirements, and service life expectations for your system or component, and the potential consequences and risks of failure. This will help you to establish the objectives and scope of your prevention strategy, and to prioritize the most critical and vulnerable areas.

4 Implement the strategy

The fourth step is to implement the selected prevention strategy, and to ensure that it is executed properly and effectively. You need to plan and prepare the necessary resources, equipment, personnel, and procedures for the implementation, and to follow the best practices and standards for the chosen prevention method. You also need to coordinate and communicate with the relevant stakeholders, such as clients, contractors, regulators, and end-users, and to comply with the legal and ethical obligations and expectations. You should monitor and document the progress and quality of the implementation, and to address any issues or challenges that arise along the way.

5 Evaluate the performance

The fifth step is to evaluate the performance of the implemented prevention strategy, and to verify that it meets the objectives and expectations. You need to measure and record the relevant parameters and indicators that reflect the corrosion and wear resistance and behavior of your system or component, such as corrosion rate, wear rate, thickness loss, surface roughness, hardness, fatigue strength, and fracture toughness. You also need to compare the actual results with the predicted or desired outcomes, and to analyze the deviations and discrepancies. You should evaluate the performance periodically and consistently, and to use appropriate methods and instruments for the data collection and analysis.

6 Improve the strategy

The sixth step is to improve the prevention strategy based on the performance evaluation, and to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. You need to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the strategy, and the opportunities and threats for its improvement. You also need to propose and implement corrective and preventive actions, such as modifying the material, coating, lubrication, cathodic protection, corrosion inhibitor, or wear monitoring method, or adjusting the operating conditions, maintenance schedule, or inspection frequency. You should monitor and evaluate the impact of the improvement actions, and to document and report the changes and outcomes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?