Pyrolysis Generator

The Pyrolysis Generator is a reinforced power generator that consumes slag (and optionally arkycite-feed products) to produce electricity and a water by-product. It functions as a continuous producer like Turbine Condensers: it continues generating power regardless of whether its internal water storage is full, but the generator emits water into adjacent fluid networks so plumbing must be arranged to accept that output.

Pyrolysis Generators were added in Build 136. Their construction cost increased in Build 149 (Graphite and Silicon raised from 50 to 100, Carbide from 50 to 60), their build time was increased, and their base power output was slightly reduced from 1500 to 1400 power units per second.

Pyrolysis Generators integrate with reinforced liquid networks and other fluid-producing buildings in several important ways. They both consume and produce non-water fluids, so any incoming non-water lines (for example slag or arkycite) must be directed into the generator using unidirectional connection blocks to avoid unwanted flow of the water by-product into source lines. Avoid placing adjacent reinforced liquid containers, tanks, or routers on sides that would allow the generator’s water output to backflow into those blocks; those blocks will accept the water and then block other liquids. Reinforced Liquid Junctions can be used safely if the opposite side is restricted with unidirectional blocks. When using alternating routers and junctions in a zipper pattern, place a row of reinforced conduits between the generator and the zipper to act as a unidirectional spacer.

In production chains, Pyrolysis Generators are an efficient consumer of slag when paired with properly balanced electrolyzer and pump setups. One Electrolyzer can fuel four Reinforced Pumps; because the slag-to-arkycite consumption ratio is 1:2, three Electrolyzers (the optimal number for a Vent Condenser) support 12 Reinforced Pumps with no resource waste (4 pumps for slag and 8 for arkycite). That arrangement yields 320 slag per second, which is sufficient to feed 16 Pyrolysis Generators. Compared to Molten Slag Heaters, Pyrolysis Generators use slag more efficiently for heat production: a single Pyrolysis Generator can fully support 15 Electric Heaters producing a combined 45 heat, while Molten Slag Heaters require twice as much slag (or the equivalent extra arkycite and pump power) for less total heat.

Practical notes for placement and use:

• Always provide a sink for the generator’s water output; uncollected water can block fluid routing if it enters shared conduits.
• Use unidirectional conduit pieces (bridges, one-way connectors) to ensure slag and arkycite feed lines reach the Pyrolysis Generator without contamination by its water output.
• When scaling power from electrolyzer-driven slag production, plan pump/electrolyzer ratios so the slag output matches how many Pyrolysis Generators you intend to run (320 slag/s ≈ 16 generators).
• Pyrolysis Generators are preferable to Molten Slag Heaters for converting slag into usable heat/power where pump and arkycite costs are accounted for, due to superior slag efficiency.
• Account for the generator’s reinforced building footprint and adjust adjacent reinforced liquid infrastructure to prevent unintended fluid mixing.