- Slag Burner: Converts raw slag into burn slag using fire mechanics.
- Gold Separation: Use filters to extract gold before burning to prevent clogs.
- Flow Management: Balance input using restrictors and tossers to avoid overflows.
- Burn Slag: The resulting byproduct that must be managed or recycled.
- Automation: Essential for high-volume sand factories in Oasis biomes.
Understanding the Slag Burner
The Slag Burner is a critical component for advanced sand automation, particularly when dealing with massive amounts of excess material. In Sandustry, simply deleting sand isn't always the most efficient way to manage resources. The Slag Burner allows you to convert unwanted slag into burn slag, which can often be easier to transport or process further.
Video Highlights:
- Setting up a massive slag processing area in an Oasis biome.
- Using filters to separate gold from raw slag before burning.
- Managing "burn slag" overflow and system jams.
- Implementing a "pachinko" style distribution system.
The burning process creates real fire. Ensure your Slag Burner is isolated from flammable structures like wood conveyors to prevent factory fires.
This machine is not just about destruction; it's about volume control. When your factory produces more sand than it can consume, the Slag Burner acts as a pressure valve, reducing the physical volume of material. However, it introduces a new complexity: managing the different states of slag (raw vs. burned) and the valuable gold that often gets mixed in.
Core Components & Mechanics
Building an efficient Slag Burner requires understanding several key game mechanics. You aren't just placing a machine; you are designing a logistics network that handles fire, gravity, and item filtering.
| Component | Function | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Block | Generates fire to burn slag | Place at the bottom of the pit to ignite falling slag. |
| Filter | Separates specific items | Use "Allow Only Gold" to extract valuables before burning. |
| Launcher | Moves items vertically | Essential for feeding slag into the burner from below. |
| Conveyor | Horizontal transport | Use fire-proof materials near the burner. |
| Vacuum | Removes items | Useful for clearing out stuck burn slag. |
Always place a Gold Filter at the input stage of your Slag Burner. Gold does not burn and will clog your system if it reaches the fire pit.
The primary challenge is the difference in weight and behavior between raw slag, burn slag, and gold. Raw slag is heavy and clumps together. Burn slag is lighter but can still cause jams if the volume is too high. Gold is the heaviest and will sink to the bottom, potentially blocking the fire source if not filtered out.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
This guide outlines a robust method to build a high-capacity Slag Burner that minimizes clogs and maximizes throughput.
Site Preparation
Select a location with enough vertical space. Dig a pit at least 7-10 blocks deep. Line the bottom with Cinder blocks to ensure the slag catches fire immediately upon landing.
Input System
Install Launchers at the bottom of your input silos to push slag up towards the processing area. Use a "two-tile" gap at the bottom of launchers to improve intake speed, as seen in advanced setups.
Gold Filtration
Before the slag falls into the fire pit, place a Filter set to "Allow Only Gold." Connect this to a separate conveyor line to divert gold to your storage or sales area.
The Burning Pit
Allow the remaining slag to fall into the Cinder-lined pit. Monitor the flow. If the pit fills up faster than it burns, the fire will be smothered.
Burn Slag Management
Use a Vacuum tool or secondary launchers to remove burn slag from the pit if it overflows. You can recycle this burn slag or move it to a different processing line.
If your factory is too efficient, you may generate burn slag faster than you can manage it. Consider using a Portal Input to delete excess burn slag if storage is full.
Advanced Optimization Strategies
Once your basic burner is running, you can implement advanced techniques to handle massive throughput, similar to the "Craziest Slag Press" builds.
Flow Balancing If one side of your burner is filling up faster than the other, use Restrictors or Tossers to balance the load.
- Restrictors: Limit the flow rate to prevent overwhelming the fire.
- Tossers: Actively move items from a full section to an empty one.
The Pachinko Method For separating mixed items effectively:
- Launch all slag onto a high platform.
- Use splitters to spread items out horizontally.
- Let items fall into different chutes based on weight (Gold falls faster, slag drifts).
| Strategy | Complexity | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Burn | Low | Simple setup, fast processing. |
| Gold Filter Loop | Medium | Extracts value, prevents clogs. |
| Pachinko Sort | High | Perfect separation of all material types. |
| Recycle Loop | High | Zero waste, re-burns unburnt slag. |
Place a Filter set to "Allow Only Wet Sand" at the top of your input silos. This can act as a drip-feeder to regulate the flow of materials entering the burner, preventing sudden overloads.
Troubleshooting & Checklist
Even the best designs fail if not maintained. Use this checklist to diagnose common issues with your Slag Burner.
Maintenance Checklist:
- Check for Gold accumulation at the bottom of the fire pit
- Ensure Cinder blocks are active and not covered by items
- Verify input launchers are not blocked by 'Umber Slag'
- Clear burn slag overflow using Vacuum or secondary launchers
- Confirm filters are set to the correct item types
Common Issues
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fire goes out | Slag pile is too high/smothering | Remove slag from bottom; add more Cinder blocks. |
| Gold is burning | Filter missing or broken | Install/repair "Allow Only Gold" filter before the pit. |
| Input jam | Launcher blocked by heavy items | Use Vacuum to clear the intake area. |
| Explosions | Lava/Water mixing or structure fire | Check for nearby water sources; use fire-proof blocks. |
FAQ
Q: Why does my Slag Burner keep stopping?
This usually happens because the pile of slag becomes too deep and smothers the Cinder blocks at the bottom. You need to either widen the pit to spread the slag out or actively remove the burn slag to lower the pile level.
Q: Can I burn Gold?
No, Gold is fire-proof and indestructible in the Slag Burner. If Gold enters the fire pit, it will sink to the bottom and eventually block the fire, causing the burner to fail. Always filter Gold out first.
Q: What is the difference between Slag and Burn Slag?
Raw Slag is the initial heavy byproduct. Burn Slag is the result of heating Raw Slag. Burn Slag is often lighter and may have different physical properties, making it easier to launch but still prone to causing jams if volume is too high.
Q: How do I handle an overflow of Burn Slag?
If you have too much Burn Slag, you can use a Portal Input to void it, or set up a recycling loop where unburnt slag is launched back to the top of the burner to be processed again.