A computed A will be converted into B in a stirred tank reactor. The product B and

Question:

A computed A will be converted into B in a stirred tank reactor. The product B and unreacted A are purified in a separation unit. Unreacted A is recycled to the rector. A process engineer has found that the initial cost of the system is a function of the conversion xA. Find the conversion that will result in the lowest cost system. C is a proportionality constant.
Cost = C [(1/(1 – xA)2)0.6 + 6(1/xA)0.6]