Robert executed a valid promissory note and security agreement with first time bank covering robert's new purchase of machinery and equipment for his new factory. however, first time bank failed to perfect its security interest in the equipment and machinery. six months later, robert defaults on the loan with first time bank. robert did not sell the machinery & equipment or use it as collateral for another loan.

You are the manager of a large crude-oil refinery. as part of the refining process, a certain heat exchanger (operated at high temperatures and with abrasive material flowing through it) must be replaced every year. the replacement and downtime cost in the first year is $165 comma 000. this cost is expected to increase due to inflation at a rate of 7% per year for six years (i.e. until the eoy 7), at which time this particular heat exchanger will no longer be needed. if the company's cost of capital is 15% per year, how much could you afford to spend for a higher quality heat exchanger so that these annual replacement and downtime costs could be eliminated?