Lifecycle Cost Analysis: How to Make Educated Decisions When Picking Lining Systems in the Mining Industry (Slurry Tank Example)

Abstract Every organization aims to reduce capital and operation costs through a range of decisions including selective maintenance planning and optimal designs. One aspect that is often overlooked is the investment in capital planning to reduce operation and maintenance costs. In many cases the judicious selection of proper materials and asset planning can significantly reduce operating costs and provide the best net return on a facility owner’s investment. In highly corrosive environments, coating and lining selection can be a key element that has a major impact on maintenance requirements and longevity of the asset. As coatings are the first line of defense against corrosion, proper selection is critical to ensure the expected performance to meet the exposure conditions. In addition, the surface preparation, application and inspection of the coating/lining are also of paramount importance. To assist readers with the difficult step in the process of selecting coating and lining systems, the authors have compiled a list of critical questions have must be answered to determine the correct coating/lining options for analysis and comparison. Using a collection of industry resources, the process of an accurate life cycle analysis (LCA) will be walked through with an example showing how minor differences can lead to significant long-term impacts on an assets maintenance and cost of operation. This paper will illustrate the importance of the general LCA process, how the selection of coating systems can be a critical aspect in reducing operational costs, and how to use LCA as an asset management tool.