Wear-resistant pipe

Claim 1

A wear-resistant, non-linear pipe segment comprising: a. a one-piece replaceable liner configured in the shape of a non-linear conduit, the liner being formed of a ceramic material having good wear-resistant properties; b. an outer shell formed of metal and configured to fit around the outer surface of the liner such that a gap exists therebetween, the outer shell being divided longitudinally into a first half and a second half so as to permit the outer shell to be fitted around the liner, the first half having a flange portion fastened thereto at each end thereof such that the flange portion projects outwardly of the first half at right angles to the major axis of the first half, each of the flange portions fastened to the first half having an annular lip formed as part thereof so as to lie in the same plane as the flange portion and so as to project inwardly of the first half, the second half having a flange portion fastened thereto at each end thereof such that the flange portion projects outwardly of the second half at right angles to the major axis of the second half, each of the flange portions fastened to the second half having an annular lip formed as a part thereof so as to lie in the same plane as the flange portion and so as to project inwardly of the second half, the first and second halves of the outer shell being clamped about the liner such that the annular lips formed as part of the flange portions of the first and second halves engage the liner for purposes of retaining the liner in place within the first and second halves so as to prevent the liner from slipping relative to the first and second halves; and c. bedding material deposited on the inner surface of each of the first and second halves such that with the outer shell positioned in surrounding relation to the liner the gap between the liner and the first and second halves of the outer shell is substantially filled by the bedding material.