Pipe
PipeThe Taam Industries Versatile Fluid Pipes (TM) are capable of transferring any kind of fluid over vast distances. If you feel adventurous, you can even transfer multiple fluids per pipe. (Dev Note: expect them clogging up, though.. A feature that allows you to transport gaseous fluids in parallel to regular fluids without that nuisance is planned.)
Pipes can connect on all six sides and are 100% compatible with fluid machines of other companies. With the multipart-enabled configuration, pipes can be prevented from connecting using some kind of cover, panel or other microblock.
For details on the routing, pressure and suction calculation and other technical details, see Mechanics/Pipe Mechanics. Here is a quick, non-technical summary:
The longer your pipe, the more pressure you need to transfer your fluids. Without pressure difference, there is no transfer. This can be done using the Pump, or simply a Tank which also creates a small amount of suction. If not set up correctly, pipes may clog, especially in more complex setups. Make sure you always have a pressure difference!
The actual pressure is Pressure-Suction, calculated per pipe, and drops down to 0 pretty quick if not continuously maintained. Pressure and suction dissipate over distance, pressure by 1 unit per block, suction by 2 units. That means with a pump that creates a differential of 40 units, you can have 40 pipes in front and 20 pipes behind the pump and still transfer fluid. The individual values for pressure and suction are not considered, ONLY the resulting pressure.
Regular machines with Pipe Ends can only connect to other pipe ends or pipes. Pipes themselves though, can connect to compatible machines without pipe ends.