Storage tank

The storage tank is a fluid container used to hold large amounts of a single fluid and to act as a buffer in fluid networks. It is commonly deployed in oil and processing setups to store raw inputs or excess outputs so refineries and chemical plants can continue running without interruption. The storage tank can be connected to the circuit network to report its current fluid contents as signals.

A storage tank is part of the contiguous pipe segment it connects to and shares the same fill percentage as that segment. Because pipes do not simulate real fluid flow, the tank and the entire connected pipe segment are treated as one evenly mixed volume; a tank is always filled evenly relative to that segment regardless of where the inflow is located. Multiple storage tanks tied into the same pipe segment will always show identical fill states.

The storage tank holds up to 25,000 units of fluid. The fluid contents can be removed safely by draining the tank with a pump. Using the GUI to flush the tank or the entire fluid system will destroy the contained fluid. Mining a storage tank and then replacing it will also destroy the fluid unless the mined tank’s contents are transferred: when mining a tank, its fluid will be routed to the next nearest storage tanks that contain the same fluid.

Storage tanks can double as energy storage when filled with steam. High-temperature steam from heat exchangers (500°C) stores significantly more energy per tank than lower-temperature boiler steam (165°C). One tank filled with 500°C steam stores about 2,425,000 kJ (approximately 2.4 GJ). One tank filled with 165°C boiler steam stores about 750,000 kJ. In practical terms, a single storage tank of 500°C steam can keep one steam turbine producing its full output (5,820 kW, consuming 60 units of 500°C steam per second) running for roughly 417 seconds. A tank of 165°C steam can keep a single steam engine (900 kW, consuming 30 units per second) running for roughly 833 seconds.

• Use storage tanks as intermediate buffers to prevent machines from starving or overflowing in high-throughput recipes such as acid neutralization and steam condensation.
• Place tanks directly on pipe segments where you need the buffer; they will mirror the segment’s fill percent and smooth out local flow variation.
• Connect a tank to the circuit network to monitor fluid type and amount; this is useful for automated switching or for conserving fluids during production swings.
• Drain tanks with pumps when you need to preserve the fluid for relocation or reuse; avoid using GUI flush or mining unless you want to destroy or redistribute the contents.
• For power smoothing, fill tanks with high-temperature steam to store more energy per unit; design your steam network so turbines or engines can draw from those tanks during peak demand.