Sep 10
Pipes / Tanksystems
Feature Proposal: Advanced Pipe Control Module & Smart Tank System
To enable more complex industrial layouts, automated resource routing, and intelligent storage behavior, I propose two new building components for ECO:
A Pipe Control Module for routing logic
A Smart Tank with configurable input/output rules
Both components are modular and optional, keeping the base pipe system simple while enabling advanced automation for players who need it.
1. Pipe Control Module
A dedicated pipe component that provides routing logic without overloading standard T‑junctions or pipe pieces.
It is placed inline between pipes and handles all flow control.
Core Functions
Valve Mode
Opens or closes automatically based on the target’s fill level.
Overflow Mode
If the primary output is full or blocked, material is redirected to a secondary output.
Priority Mode
Define a delivery order: Output 1 → Output 2 → Output 3.
Return Mode
If all outputs are blocked, material is sent back into the system (e.g., reservoir or buffer line).
Technical Description
1 input
Up to 3 outputs
Configurable logic modes
Fill‑level parameters per output
Optional: filtering rules, time‑based rules, machine‑activity detection
Gameplay Benefits
No UI overload on basic pipe pieces
Fully modular automation
Prevents blockages and resource loss
Enables complex filter chains and recycling loops
2. Smart Tank (Intelligent Tank)
A tank that acts as an active control element rather than a passive storage block.
It features configurable logic for both filling and draining.
Inputs (2 total)
Each input has independent rules:
Maximum fill percentage per input
Example: Input A may fill the tank only up to 40%, Input B up to 100%.
Input priority
Example: Input A is preferred until the tank reaches 40%, then Input B takes over.
Outputs (2 total)
Each output has independent activation conditions:
Minimum fill percentage required to activate
Example: Output 1 activates at 60% tank fill, Output 2 at 20%.
Optional flow‑rate limit
Controls how fast each output can drain the tank.
Gameplay Benefits
Tanks become real distribution and buffer stations
Perfect for water treatment, waste routing, oil systems, and industrial automation
Allows controlled supply of machines and multi‑stage processing
Works seamlessly with the Pipe Control Module
3. Combined Summary (ready for posting)
Feature Proposal: Pipe Control Module & Smart Tank System
To improve automation and resource management in ECO, I propose two new modular components:
1. Pipe Control Module
A dedicated routing block that provides advanced flow control without complicating basic pipe pieces.
Features:
Automatic valve behavior based on fill levels
Overflow routing to secondary outputs
Priority‑based delivery order
Return routing when all outputs are blocked
Optional filtering and time‑based rules
Benefits:
Prevents blockages
Enables complex industrial layouts
Supports recycling loops and multi‑stage processing
Keeps the base pipe system simple and intuitive
2. Smart Tank
A tank with configurable logic for both filling and draining.
Inputs (2):
Adjustable maximum fill percentage per input
Input priority rules
Outputs (2):
Adjustable minimum fill percentage for activation
Optional flow‑rate limits
Benefits:
Tanks become intelligent buffer and distribution nodes
Supports controlled machine supply
Ideal for water, waste, oil, and filter systems
Works perfectly together with the Pipe Control Module
Overall Advantages
Fully automated resource flow
No more blockages or wasted materials
Modular design: simple for beginners, powerful for advanced players
Pending