Though this process is largely unnecessary and pointless, I will still ask for advice. I am a newbie FTB'er and would like some of the more experienced players to tackle a problem that I have in mind.
Despite being useless, I still find it a good exercise in understanding logic and how to compactly stuff it all into a small space. Redundancy of process seems to the be game in FTB, designing factories that incorporate a large number of machines running the same processes.
Problem:
- A centrifuge processes still lava in stacks of 16
- A centrifuge may hold an additional 64 still lava (one stack) not withstanding the lava currently being processed
Determine a way to precisely time the output of fluid from the main holding cell into the processing system and switch the output of lava from such main holding cell to another centrifuge at 16,000 mB increments.
Theory:
- A Xycraft 3x3 multi-tank holds 16,000 mB of fluid per one block height
- An additional feature of the multi-tank is the ability to detect the volume change in the tank in increments of 16,000 mB
- 16,000 mB of fluid happens to be 16 still lava, one cycles worth of lava for the centrifuge.
- I hope that what I'm pushing for here is obvious
Issues:
Assuming that all logic is correct in a perfect system, not withstanding some of the flaws incorporated into FTB, here are some problems encountered when I went to accomplish this task.
1. Due to the nature of waterproof piping having volume, it is hard to precisely determine the flow of the fluid into the centrifuge as a function of how much has left the multi-tank.
- This is a problem because the detection system used to switch between centrifuge(s) is based on the volume of fluid in the multi-tank and is not based on what is in the centrifuge at time x, where time x is when the switch occurs. The switch being the moment when the output of the multi-tank is directed into a different centrifuge. This moment being when the previous centrifuge has received exactly 16 still lava.
- It is hard to know exactly how much is in the piping prior to the switch, or at any point in the process when the pipes are not full 100%.
2. Xycraft tanks tend to leak a bit of fluid out of the bottom regardless if there are any pumps functioning. This is due to the attempted mimicry of realities effect of gravity on fluid, height equilibration.
- I attempted to pump this excess out through an iron waterproof pipe with logic that switches when actual output from the multi-tank to the centrifuges occur. This means that (a) you have an extra piece of pipe to account for, and (b) the logic would reverse to prevent the backtracking of the lava at the genuine output time, meaning lava from the other end can enter. (I just found the solution to this issue as I was writing this, feel free to point out your ideas here though).
Results:
- First centrifuge before switch -> 15 still lava
- Second to receiver 17 lava before system refills multi-tank
Conclusion:
Where I could wait another whole cycle and accept that my yields will be half every 16 cycles or so, it is still a fun exercise to try and find a solution to this issue. I would ask the veteran FTB'ers for their input, not only to solve this problem, but perhaps to expand our capabilities to create intricate systems involving lots of logic. Is fun.
If you really require that I fully explain the logic behind what I did, I would be happy to, but I would rather you suggest your solutions to this problem and see if you inherently overcome the problems I am having trouble with.
Some points:
- Space management is necessary. My base is built into a space where real estate is valuable.
- Maximum efficiency. I hate dealing with inefficient processes, makes me... twitch.
Despite being useless, I still find it a good exercise in understanding logic and how to compactly stuff it all into a small space. Redundancy of process seems to the be game in FTB, designing factories that incorporate a large number of machines running the same processes.
Problem:
- A centrifuge processes still lava in stacks of 16
- A centrifuge may hold an additional 64 still lava (one stack) not withstanding the lava currently being processed
Determine a way to precisely time the output of fluid from the main holding cell into the processing system and switch the output of lava from such main holding cell to another centrifuge at 16,000 mB increments.
Theory:
- A Xycraft 3x3 multi-tank holds 16,000 mB of fluid per one block height
- An additional feature of the multi-tank is the ability to detect the volume change in the tank in increments of 16,000 mB
- 16,000 mB of fluid happens to be 16 still lava, one cycles worth of lava for the centrifuge.
- I hope that what I'm pushing for here is obvious
Issues:
Assuming that all logic is correct in a perfect system, not withstanding some of the flaws incorporated into FTB, here are some problems encountered when I went to accomplish this task.
1. Due to the nature of waterproof piping having volume, it is hard to precisely determine the flow of the fluid into the centrifuge as a function of how much has left the multi-tank.
- This is a problem because the detection system used to switch between centrifuge(s) is based on the volume of fluid in the multi-tank and is not based on what is in the centrifuge at time x, where time x is when the switch occurs. The switch being the moment when the output of the multi-tank is directed into a different centrifuge. This moment being when the previous centrifuge has received exactly 16 still lava.
- It is hard to know exactly how much is in the piping prior to the switch, or at any point in the process when the pipes are not full 100%.
2. Xycraft tanks tend to leak a bit of fluid out of the bottom regardless if there are any pumps functioning. This is due to the attempted mimicry of realities effect of gravity on fluid, height equilibration.
- I attempted to pump this excess out through an iron waterproof pipe with logic that switches when actual output from the multi-tank to the centrifuges occur. This means that (a) you have an extra piece of pipe to account for, and (b) the logic would reverse to prevent the backtracking of the lava at the genuine output time, meaning lava from the other end can enter. (I just found the solution to this issue as I was writing this, feel free to point out your ideas here though).
Results:
- First centrifuge before switch -> 15 still lava
- Second to receiver 17 lava before system refills multi-tank
Conclusion:
Where I could wait another whole cycle and accept that my yields will be half every 16 cycles or so, it is still a fun exercise to try and find a solution to this issue. I would ask the veteran FTB'ers for their input, not only to solve this problem, but perhaps to expand our capabilities to create intricate systems involving lots of logic. Is fun.
If you really require that I fully explain the logic behind what I did, I would be happy to, but I would rather you suggest your solutions to this problem and see if you inherently overcome the problems I am having trouble with.
Some points:
- Space management is necessary. My base is built into a space where real estate is valuable.
- Maximum efficiency. I hate dealing with inefficient processes, makes me... twitch.