Trying to understand fluid throughput

[lapis hawk]

Hello! I have built this. The fluid comes in on the platform on the right and flows left. I am confused why liquid is making it to the 2nd and 3rd platform, while still providing enough to the first platform.

My understanding is this:
Each fluid launcher can handle 1200 L/m
Each painter takes 300 L/m

I have 4 fluid launchers for a total of 4800 L/m coming in
I have 16 painters for a total of 4800 L/m being used

So how is there extra flowing to the next platform?

Thanks!

[polar flicker]

All components connected to a pipe try to consume paint at an even rate
if insufficient paint is supplied, that just means they're running at a lower speed

It's similar (but distinct) to connecting 1 belt up to 7 or 8 stackers, even when only 6 are needed

You'll notice that, even though they're excessive, the 7th and 8th stackers still do occasionally process shapes

[lapis hawk]

So does this mean that some of my painters aren't running full speed? But I have 4 full output belts, 4 painters for each belt

And clicking on various painters, they say they are running at 100% efficency

Actually, if i remove the 3rd platform, then both the first and second platforms have full belt outputs. So it seems like I have double the paint i should have?

[polar flicker]

It would mean this, yes
Paint mechanics are a bit bugged right now and too much paint makes it through

[lapis hawk]

here's a simpler example, somehow the 1 catcher is providing enough for 6 (300 * 6 = 1800) painters

[lapis hawk]

oh, maybe its just bugged then

[polar flicker]

Basically, the catcher on the first island is catching double the paint, which let's the launchers off the first island fully fund the second island

This doesn't work for the second and third islands, though, because it's bottlenecked by the launchers on the first island

[lapis hawk]

weird, thanks for the info! well i'll design stuff with what the numbers say so hopefully it doesnt break when they fix that bug