Pipelines move fluids between refineries and machines. They follow different rules from belts and trip up most new builders.
Why this matters
Fluids gate plastic, fuel, and every oil product. Pipeline mistakes back up whole chains.
Step-by-step
- Unlock pipeline segments and pumps.
- Run pipes between fluid producers and consumers.
- Add pumps when head lift runs out.
- Keep pipe runs short where possible.
- Use junctions to branch fluid lines.
- Check flow direction at every junction.
- Balance fluid output to consumption.
- Add pumps before flow stalls, not after.
Tips
- Pumps extend what head lift allows
- Junctions can flow the wrong way — check them
- Fluids need consumption, not production
- Buffer fluids with storage tanks
Practical notes
Pipelines follow different rules from belts, and head lift is the rule that trips everyone. Add pumps before flow stalls, because a vertical run that climbs too far stops. Junctions can flow the wrong way, so check direction at every junction after building.
Keep pipe runs short where possible, and balance fluid output to consumption the same way you balance belts. Fluids gate plastic, fuel and every oil product, so a pipeline mistake backs up whole chains. Pumps are cheap; a stalled line is not.
Add pumps before flow stalls, because a stalled pipe is hard to diagnose.
Fluids gate plastic, fuel and every oil product, so a pipeline mistake backs up chains.
Common mistakes
- Pipe runs longer than head lift allows
- Junctions flowing backward
- Producing fluid nothing consumes
- No pumps on long vertical runs