Overview#
Storage Tech is a specialized utility mod designed to bridge the gap between standard Refined Storage capacities and the massive resource requirements of late-game Minecraft. While Refined Storage provides fixed disk sizes (1k, 4k, 16k, 64k), Storage Tech allows players to create custom storage disks with virtually any capacity for items, fluids, energy, and Mekanism chemicals.
In its later iterations (Version Type C for 1.16+), the mod evolves into a high-tier automation suite, introducing the POE (Power Over Ethernet) system for high-speed item processing and a robust Chemical Storage system that allows Mekanism gases and slurries to be managed directly within the Refined Storage network.
Core Mechanics#
The fundamental mechanic of Storage Tech is the ability to scale storage capacity beyond vanilla Refined Storage limits. Depending on the version, this is achieved through two primary methods:
Custom Disk Creation
In older versions (Type B), players use the Disk Workbench to define specific capacities for disks. In newer versions (Type C), this is replaced by the Parts Combiner. Instead of crafting a single high-tier part, players can merge multiple storage parts (e.g., combining two 64k parts to create a 128k part) to reach a specific desired capacity.
POE (Power Over Ethernet) System
The POE system represents an advanced tier of Refined Storage components. These blocks (Drive, Exporter, Importer, Furnace) are designed for high-throughput environments where standard RS cables and machines might become a bottleneck. They often feature increased speed and specialized internal buffers.
Chemical Management
Storage Tech adds full support for Mekanism's chemical system. This includes:
- Gases: Standard Mekanism gases like Oxygen or Hydrogen.
- Slurries: Ore processing fluids.
- Infusions: Materials used in the Metallurgic Infuser.
- Pigments: Used in the Painting Machine.
These are handled via dedicated Chemical Grids and Chemical Storage Disks, allowing them to be stored as digital data rather than in physical tanks.
Blocks#
The mod adds several functional blocks that integrate directly with the Refined Storage network.
| Block | Description |
|---|---|
| Disk Workbench | Used in legacy versions to configure and craft custom-sized storage disks for items and fluids. |
| Parts Combiner | The successor to the Disk Workbench. Allows players to merge storage parts of the same type to increase their capacity. |
| POE Drive | An advanced version of the RS Disk Drive with higher data throughput and specialized slots. |
| POE Exporter/Importer | High-speed versions of the standard RS Exporter and Importer, capable of moving stacks of items instantly. |
| POE Furnace | A network-integrated furnace that can be automated directly through the RS system without external cabling. |
| Structure Constructor | A specialized block used to build large-scale storage structures or multi-block components. |
| Chemical Drive | A dedicated drive unit specifically for Chemical Storage Disks. |
| Chemical Grid | A specialized interface for viewing, depositing, and withdrawing Mekanism chemicals from the network. |
Items and Storage Disks#
Storage Tech introduces a wide array of storage media, ranging from standard high-capacity disks to specialized chemical and energy storage.
Item and Fluid Disks
In addition to custom sizes, the mod provides several pre-defined high-tier disks for versions that do not use the Parts Combiner:
- 1k - 64k: Standard tiers.
- 256k - 16384k: Extended tiers for massive item storage.
- 1024k - 16384k: Extended tiers for fluid storage.
Energy Storage Disks
These disks allow the Refined Storage network to act as a massive battery. Energy (FE/RF) is stored as data on the disk. When inserted into a drive, the network can draw from or store energy into these disks, effectively replacing the need for large capacitor banks.
Chemical Storage Disks
Used specifically for Mekanism chemicals. These disks do not store items or fluids; they are dedicated to Gases, Slurries, Infusions, and Pigments. They come in various sizes and can be customized using the Parts Combiner.
Components
- Storage Parts: The internal components used to craft disks. Storage Tech adds parts for Energy and Chemicals.
- Chemical Filter: Used in Chemical Importers/Exporters to specify which Mekanism chemical should be moved.
Recipes and Crafting#
Crafting in Storage Tech follows the progression logic of Refined Storage. High-tier disks require the previous tier's part plus specialized processors and materials.
Parts Combiner Usage
To create a custom disk in 1.16.5:
- Place the Parts Combiner and connect it to power/network.
- Insert two storage parts of the same type (e.g., two 1024k Item Storage Parts).
- The machine will merge them into a single part with the combined capacity (e.g., one 2048k Item Storage Part).
- Combine the resulting part with a Storage Housing to create the functional Disk.
Chemical Storage Crafting
Chemical storage components typically require Mekanism materials, such as Steel Casings or Control Circuits, in addition to Refined Storage Quartz Enriched Iron and Processors.
| Item | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chemical Part | RS Processor + Mekanism Gas Tank + Quartz Enriched Iron |
| Energy Part | RS Processor + Energy Cell + Gold Ingots |
| POE Components | Advanced Processors + Netherite + RS Machine Casing |
Mekanism Integration#
The integration with Mekanism is one of the mod's most powerful features. It treats chemicals as a first-class citizen within the RS ecosystem.
- Auto-Crafting Chemicals: Using the RS Pattern Provider and Mekanism machines, you can set up auto-crafting for gases like Fissile Fuel or Antimatter.
- Chemical Filtering: The Chemical Filter item allows for precise control over which gases are allowed into specific drives or exported to machines like the Chemical Injection Chamber.
- Slurry Storage: By storing slurries in the network, players can simplify complex ore-tripling and quintupling setups, as the network acts as a massive buffer between the Dissolution Chamber and the Washer.
Configuration#
Storage Tech provides a configuration file that allows server administrators to balance the mod. Key configurable options include:
- Max Disk Size: Sets a hard limit on how large a custom disk can become via the Parts Combiner.
- Energy Usage: Adjusts the FE/t cost for POE machines and Chemical Grids.
- Disk Tiers: Enable or disable specific pre-defined tiers (like the 16384k disk) to control progression speed.
- Mekanism Integration Toggle: Allows users to disable chemical storage if Mekanism is not present in the modpack.
