Pipe
Overview
Pipe is the basic entity for transporting fluids in Factorio. It connects to other pipes, pumps and fluid containers to form fluid networks that carry liquids such as water, crude oil, petroleum, sulfuric acid and other mod fluids. The in-game pipe entity displays a small GUI when opened that shows the contents and flow inside that segment; when placing pipes the placement preview can show colored flow indicating which fluids are present in connected pipes.
Pipes do not blend different fluids into a single combined fluid. When two different fluids meet in a pipe network the game prevents them from mixing into a new fluid; the engine instead keeps track of multiple fluid types within the same network and the interface will indicate the presence of mixed contents. Attempting to actively mix incompatible fluids in a single pipe segment will be rejected, which is shown by the "failed attempt to mix fluids" animation in the gallery images. Pumps and dedicated piping arrangements are used to control and separate fluid flows where mixing or segregation matters.
Some Factorio installations or mods provide alternative recipes or production methods for pipes. An alternate crafting method labelled "Casting pipe" is shown as produced in a 
- The pipe GUI shows contained fluids and allows inspection of which fluids and quantities are in that pipe segment.
- The placement preview displays colored flow through connected pipes while the player is holding a pipe item, aiding correct routing.
- Different fluids are tracked separately in a single network; the game prevents illegal mixing and will display a denial animation when a prohibited mix is attempted.
- Use pumps and underground pipe connections to control flow direction, move fluids under obstacles, or isolate networks as needed.
- Related entities to consider when working with pipes:
