Suggestion - Liquid storage and handling prototype

[Engimage]

I know there is a redesign coming on liquid handling. Here is my vision on how this can be done.

Liquids can be exactly like any other item in the game, but there is a specific item type. I guess there are already types like "block items" and general items, as well as filters on storage types - you can only put block items into stockpiles etc.

Liquid tanks should be a generic storage which would only accept items of a "liquid" type. Things to be addressed:

• Tanks should be connected using pipes. So these "liquid" storages can only be linked to entities if they have a direct pipe connections, not dependent on the distance.
• Ideally connected storages should have the Linked for Input/Linked for Output options as described in many tickets like this one https://github.com/StrangeLoopGames/EcoSuggestions/issues/396
• Possibly liquid storages might be hard linked depending on which ports are connected. Still would rely on previous point ideally.
• Water can be added to the crafting recipe directly and be consumed as any other resource. Water could also be transported (described later)
• Tanks could be used to sell liquids (via shop) to refuel vehicles which would also accept liquids as a fuel as opposed to barreled fuel.
• Player can not use his inventory to transport liquids.
• Tanks should have a "Flush" option which would flush the liquid, cause pollution by it. Really required to handle different mistakes/redesign (related to previous).
• New vehicle can be introduced - liquid tank truck, which could transport liquids. This can be used to transport not only oil products, but water as well so that you won't need to set up refinery/smelting near water for direct water connection. Tanker would be able to transfer liquid in/out of stationary tanks.
• New early vehicle - Barrel Cart - hand cart to transport liquids over distance.
• You won't be able to directly connect Pump Jack to a refinery. It will require an intermediate liquid tank. But I am sure this will only add realism and a nice look to the setup.
• Barreling/Unbarreling can be used as an alternative way to transport liquids. Very similar to Factorio. However to avoid complication default way of hanfling liquids shoudl be dedicated barrel transport.

Related: https://github.com/StrangeLoopGames/EcoIssues/issues/16714 https://github.com/StrangeLoopGames/EcoIssues/issues/16713

[karlthepagan]

The mass transportation of liquids thru a pipeline will provide oil / gas infrastructure which is cleaner than coal (less smog coal -> oil -> gas) as well as the opportunity for pumped hydro energy storage at massive scales (for a labor & concrete intensive clean energy solution).