tailpipe line
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LANHE SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY (CHANGXING) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
Smart Images

Figure CN224551000U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of semiconductor manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to a tailpipe. Background Technology
[0002] Semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) equipment, is used to grow semiconductor materials. During the reaction process of growing semiconductor materials, organic compounds of group III or II elements and hydrides of group V or VI elements are used as reaction sources. These substances undergo chemical reactions in the reaction chamber to generate the desired thin film material. This process also produces exhaust gas, which contains unreacted raw materials and byproducts. This exhaust gas condenses and accumulates in the exhaust pipes of the MOCVD equipment, leading to blockages.
[0003] In the prior art, since exhaust gas needs to be treated by an exhaust gas treatment device after it is discharged, such as combustion, the exhaust gas treatment device is far from the reaction chamber. The exhaust pipe is extended in a multi-segment sequential connection manner. However, in the prior art, the pipe segments are mostly connected by welding or threaded connection. Welding is not easy to disassemble and maintain, while threaded connection has high requirements for the sealing performance of the pipe joint.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new type of tailpipe to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tailpipe that helps to prevent exhaust gas from condensing and accumulating in the exhaust pipe, thus ensuring sealing performance.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the tailpipe of this utility model includes at least two inner pipes, at least two outer pipes, an outer connection portion connecting adjacent outer pipes, and an inner connection portion connecting adjacent inner pipes. The outer pipes are sleeved outside the inner pipes, and the inner pipes extend outside the outer pipes. The inner connection portions connect to the exposed portion of the inner pipes and communicate with the inner pipes. Each inner connection portion is accommodated within an outer tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each outer pipe and the corresponding outer connection portion. A flow channel structure that allows liquid or gaseous substances to pass through is formed between the inner tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each inner pipe and the corresponding inner connection portion and the outer tubular structure.
[0007] The external part includes a first connector, a first fastener, a second fastener, and a movable part;
[0008] The first connector includes a first pipe, and the movable part includes a second pipe. The inner sidewall of the second pipe is slidably fitted with the outer sidewall of the outer pipe, so that the second pipe can slide along the extension direction of the outer pipe. The two ends of the second pipe are respectively connected to the first pipe and the outer pipe.
[0009] The first fastener is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the first pipe and the second pipe, forming a sealed connection with both the second pipe and the first pipe.
[0010] The second fastener is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the outer tube and the second pipe, forming a sealed connection with both the second pipe and the outer tube.
[0011] The beneficial effects of the tailpipe are as follows: by setting an external connection that connects adjacent outer pipes, an internal connection that connects adjacent inner pipes, and an outer pipe sleeved outside the inner pipe, with the inner pipe extending outside the outer pipe, the internal connection connecting the exposed portion of the inner pipe and communicating with it, each internal connection is accommodated within an outer tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each outer pipe and its corresponding external connection, and a flow channel structure is formed between the inner tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each inner pipe and its corresponding internal connection and the outer tubular structure, allowing liquid or gaseous substances to pass through. This flow channel structure further isolates the external environment from the pipes and allows the introduction of a heat transfer medium to insulate the exhaust gas inside the inner pipes. This design helps prevent exhaust gas from condensing and accumulating in the exhaust pipe. Even if there is a leak in the inner pipe, the outer pipe can prevent further leakage. Furthermore, in the outer connection, the inner wall of the second pipe slides against the outer wall of the outer pipe, allowing the second pipe to slide along the extension direction of the outer pipe. Both ends of the second pipe are connected to the first pipe and the outer pipe, respectively. The first fastener is fitted onto the outside of the junction of the first and second pipes, forming a sealed connection with both the second and first pipes. The second fastener is fitted onto the outside of the junction of the outer pipe and the second pipe, forming a sealed connection with both the second and outer pipes, further ensuring sealing performance.
[0012] Optionally, the inner part includes a second connector and a third fastener, the second connector including a third pipe, one end of the third pipe being connected to one end of the inner tube;
[0013] The third fastener is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube and is threaded to one end of the third pipe. The third fastener is used to undergo plastic deformation after being threaded to one end of the third pipe to form a sealed connection with the inner tube.
[0014] Optionally, the second connector further includes a support portion, the first pipe is sleeved on the outside of the third pipe, an annular space is formed between the first pipe and the third pipe, the support portion is disposed between the third pipe and the first pipe, the support portion is used to connect the third pipe and the first pipe, and the support portion has a hole-like structure, the hole-like structure is used to connect the annular spaces located on both sides of the support portion.
[0015] Optionally, the first fastener, the second fastener, and the third fastener all include a nut and a fastening assembly;
[0016] The fastening assembly is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe;
[0017] The nut is threaded to one end of the second pipe, the other end of the second pipe, or one end of the third pipe, for axially pressing the fastening assembly, causing the fastening assembly to undergo plastic deformation, so as to seal the connection with the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe.
[0018] Optionally, one end of the second pipe, the other end of the second pipe, and one end of the third pipe are all provided with external threads and sealing tapered surfaces, wherein the external threads are used to connect the nut;
[0019] The fastening assembly includes a pressing member, which is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe. The pressing member includes an engaging section and a supporting section, which are connected.
[0020] The support section includes an arc-shaped inner surface, which is used to disperse the axial pressure applied by the nut;
[0021] The engagement section includes a conical outer surface and a cylindrical inner surface. The conical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface are connected to form an acute-angled edge. The conical outer surface fits against the sealing conical surface. When the nut applies axial pressure, under the cooperation of the sealing conical surface, the engagement section undergoes plastic deformation toward the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe, and is sealed to the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe.
[0022] Optionally, the fastening assembly further includes a retaining member, which is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe;
[0023] The abutting member includes an abutting surface and a supporting surface. The abutting surface abuts against the arc-shaped inner surface, and the supporting surface abuts against the nut.
[0024] Optionally, the supporting member has an annular groove and a sealing ring, the sealing ring is disposed in the annular groove, and the outer diameter of the sealing ring is in contact with the inner surface of the nut.
[0025] Optionally, the hardness of the extrusion member is less than the hardness of the supporting member.
[0026] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the extruded part is 95 to 175 GPa.
[0027] Optionally, the first connector further includes a first prism, which is interference-fitted onto the outside of the first pipe, and the facet of the first prism is parallel to the axis of the first pipe.
[0028] The movable component also includes a second prism, which is interference-fitted onto the outside of the second pipe, and the facet of the second prism is parallel to the axis of the second pipe. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the inner tube and the outer tube in some embodiments of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the external part and the outer tube in some embodiments of this utility model;
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the inner connection part and the inner tube in some embodiments of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first pipe and the third pipe in some embodiments of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first fastener, second fastener, or third fastener along the axial direction in some embodiments of this utility model.
[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the extrusion component in some embodiments of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the supporting member in some embodiments of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "comprising" and similar expressions used herein mean that the element or object preceding the word covers the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, but does not exclude other elements or objects.
[0037] To address the problems existing in the prior art, embodiments of this utility model provide a tailpipe system. (Refer to...) Figures 1-3 The tailpipe includes at least two inner pipes 1, at least two outer pipes 2, an outer connection portion 3 connecting adjacent outer pipes 2, and an inner connection portion 4 connecting adjacent inner pipes 1. The outer pipes 2 are sleeved outside the inner pipes 1, and the inner pipes 1 extend outside the outer pipes 2. The inner connection portion 4 connects to the exposed portion of the inner pipes 1 and communicates with the inner pipes 1. Each inner connection portion 4 is accommodated within an outer tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each outer pipe 2 and the corresponding outer connection portion 3. A flow channel structure that allows liquid or gaseous substances to pass through is formed between the inner tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each inner pipe 1 and the corresponding inner connection portion 4 and the outer tubular structure. The outer connection portion 3 includes a first connector 31, a first fastener 32, a second fastener 33, and a movable part 34. The first connector 31 includes a first pipe 311, and the movable part 34 includes a second pipe 341. The inner sidewall of the second pipe 341 is slidably fitted with the outer sidewall of the outer pipe 2, so that the second pipe 341 can slide along the extension direction of the outer pipe 2. The two ends of the second pipe 341 are respectively connected to the first pipe 311 and the outer pipe 2. The first fastener 32 is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the first pipe 311 and the second pipe 341, and forms a sealed connection with both the second pipe 341 and the first pipe 311. The second fastener 33 is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the outer pipe 2 and the second pipe 341, and forms a sealed connection with both the second pipe 341 and the outer pipe 2.
[0038] In existing technologies, two pipes are often connected by welding or threading. Welding is very inconvenient because the outer pipe is obstructed, and it also makes disassembly difficult and hinders subsequent maintenance. Threaded connections require the entire double sleeve to be rotated, which makes installation very difficult when the double sleeve is long or heavy.
[0039] In this application, by providing an external connection 3 connecting adjacent outer pipes 2 and an internal connection 4 connecting adjacent inner pipes 1, and by having the outer pipe 2 sleeved outside the inner pipe 1, the inner pipe 1 extending outside the outer pipe 2, and the internal connection 4 connecting the exposed portion of the inner pipe 1 and communicating with the inner pipe 1, each internal connection 3 is accommodated within an outer tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each outer pipe 2 and the corresponding external connection 3. A flow channel structure is formed between the inner tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each inner pipe 1 and the corresponding internal connection 4 and the outer tubular structure, allowing liquid or gaseous substances to pass through. This flow channel structure further isolates the outer pipe 2 from the environment outside, and also allows the introduction of a heat medium to insulate the exhaust gas inside the inner pipe 1, which helps prevent the exhaust gas from condensing and accumulating in the exhaust pipe. Even if the inner pipe 1 leaks, the outer pipe 2 can prevent exhaust gas leakage. Furthermore, in the outer connection part 3, the inner wall of the second pipe 341 slides against the outer wall of the outer pipe 2, allowing the second pipe 341 to slide along the extension direction of the outer pipe 2. The two ends of the second pipe 341 are respectively connected to the first pipe 311 and the outer pipe 2. The first fastener 32 is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the first pipe 311 and the second pipe 341, forming a sealed connection with both the second pipe 341 and the first pipe 311. The second fastener 33 is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the outer pipe 2 and the second pipe 341, forming a sealed connection with both the second pipe 341 and the outer pipe 2, thereby further ensuring the sealing performance.
[0040] In some embodiments, when the inner tube and the outer tube are of the same length, it is necessary to cut the outer tube so that the inner tube extends beyond the outer tube.
[0041] In some embodiments, the other end of the first pipe is connected to another outer pipe using the same installation method as one end of the first pipe, in conjunction with a second set of the first fastener, the second fastener, and the movable part.
[0042] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3The inner part 4 includes a second connector 41 and a third fastener 42. The second connector 41 includes a third pipe 411, one end of which is connected to one end of the inner tube 1. The third fastener 42 is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube 1 and is threaded to one end of the third pipe 411. The third fastener 42 is used to undergo plastic deformation after being threaded to one end of the third pipe 411 to form a sealed connection with the inner tube 1.
[0043] One end of the third pipe 411 is connected to one end of the inner pipe 1. After the third fastener 42 is threadedly connected to one end of the third pipe 411, the third fastener 42 will undergo plastic deformation. The third fastener 42 is sleeved on the outside of the inner pipe 1, thus forming a sealed connection with the inner pipe 1. This connection method, which combines threaded connection and plastic deformation sealing, achieves a sealed connection while facilitating disassembly compared to direct welding. Compared to direct threaded connection, it eliminates the need to rotate the double sleeve, greatly reducing installation difficulty.
[0044] In some embodiments, the other end of the third pipe is connected to another inner pipe using the same installation method as one end of the third pipe, in conjunction with the second set of the third fasteners.
[0045] In some embodiments, the length of the first pipe is less than the length of the third pipe, and the inner diameter of the second pipe is greater than the size of the third fastener, that is, the second pipe can accommodate the third fastener, the size of the third fastener being the maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the third pipe.
[0046] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3 and 4 The second connector 41 further includes a support portion 412. The first pipe 311 is sleeved on the outside of the third pipe 411, and an annular space is formed between the first pipe 311 and the third pipe 411. The support portion 412 is disposed between the third pipe 411 and the first pipe 311. The support portion 412 is used to connect the third pipe 411 and the first pipe 311. A hole structure 413 is provided on the support portion 412. The hole structure 413 is used to connect the annular spaces located on both sides of the support portion 412.
[0047] The support part 412 is disposed between the third pipe 411 and the first pipe 311, which can make the distance between the third pipe 411 and the first pipe 311 relatively fixed. When connecting, there is no need to adjust the position between the third pipe 411 and the first pipe 311, which facilitates connection and can form a stable annulus.
[0048] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 5 The first fastener 32, the second fastener 33, and the third fastener 42 each include a nut 51 and a fastening assembly 52; the fastening assembly 52 is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2, or the inner pipe 1; the nut 51 is threadedly connected to one end of the second pipe 341, the other end of the second pipe 341, or one end of the third pipe 411, for axially pressing the fastening assembly 52, causing the fastening assembly 52 to undergo plastic deformation, so as to seal and connect with the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2, or the inner pipe 1.
[0049] The nut 51 is threadedly connected to one end of the second pipe 341, the other end of the second pipe 341, or one end of the third pipe 411, realizing the function of threaded connection, and can axially press the fastening component 52, causing the fastening component 52 to undergo plastic deformation, thereby sealingly connecting it with the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2, or the inner pipe 1.
[0050] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figures 2 to 6 One end of the second pipe 341, the other end of the second pipe 341, and one end of the third pipe 411 are all provided with external threads 61 and internal sealing conical surfaces 62. The external threads 61 are used to connect the nut 51. The fastening assembly 52 includes a pressing member 521, which is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2, or the inner pipe 1. The pressing member 521 includes an engaging section 5211 and a supporting section 5212, which are connected. The supporting section 5212 includes an arc-shaped inner surface 52121. 1. Used to disperse the axial pressure applied by the nut 51; the engagement section 5211 includes a conical outer surface 52111 and a cylindrical inner surface 52112. The conical outer surface 52111 and the cylindrical inner surface 52112 are connected to form an acute-angled edge. The conical outer surface 52111 is in contact with the inner sealing conical surface 62. When the nut 51 applies axial pressure, under the cooperation of the inner sealing conical surface 62, the engagement section 5211 undergoes plastic deformation toward the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2 or the inner pipe 1, and is sealed and connected with the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2 or the inner pipe 1.
[0051] One end of the second pipe 341, the other end of the second pipe 341, and one end of the third pipe 411 are all provided with external threads 61 and internal sealing conical surfaces 62. The external threads 61 can cooperate with the nut 51 to achieve threaded connection, while the internal sealing conical surfaces 62 can restrict the deformation direction of the extrusion member 521, causing the extrusion member 521 to deform toward the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2, or the inner pipe 1, thereby achieving a seal.
[0052] The engagement section 5211 includes a conical outer surface 52111 and a cylindrical inner surface 52112. The conical outer surface 52111 and the cylindrical inner surface 52112 are connected to form an acute-angled edge, which makes the thickness of each part of the engagement section 5211 different. With the cooperation of the inner sealing conical surface 62, the engagement section 5211 is more easily deformed, which is beneficial to the sealing connection with the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2 or the inner pipe 1.
[0053] In some embodiments, the inner sealing conical surface surrounds to form a first opening and a second opening, the diameter of the first opening being larger than the diameter of the second opening, and the first opening being an interface at one end of the second pipe, an interface at the other end of the second pipe, an interface at one end of the third pipe, or an interface at the other end of the third pipe.
[0054] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figures 2 to 7 The fastening assembly 52 further includes a retaining member 522, which is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe 311, the outer pipe 2, or the inner pipe 1; the retaining member 522 includes a retaining surface 5221 and a supporting surface 5222, the retaining surface 5221 abuts against the arc-shaped inner surface 52121, and the supporting surface 5222 abuts against the nut 51.
[0055] In some embodiments, the squeezing member is a front retainer and the abutment member is a rear retainer.
[0056] In some embodiments, the supporting member has an annular groove and a sealing ring, the sealing ring being disposed within the annular groove, and the outer diameter of the sealing ring fitting against the inner surface of the nut. The sealing ring further improves the sealing performance.
[0057] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first connector 31 further includes a first prism 312, which is interference-fitted onto the outside of the first pipe 311, and the face of the first prism 312 is parallel to the axis of the first pipe 311; the movable member 34 further includes a second prism 342, which is interference-fitted onto the outside of the second pipe 341, and the face of the second prism 342 is parallel to the axis of the second pipe 341.
[0058] The facet of the first prism 312 is parallel to the axis of the first pipe 311, and the facet of the second prism 342 is parallel to the axis of the second pipe 341, which facilitates its use with wrenches and the like.
[0059] In some embodiments, the hardness of the extrusion member is less than that of the abutment member. The extrusion member is more prone to plastic deformation than the abutment member, preventing the abutment member from undergoing premature plastic deformation relative to the extrusion member and improving the sealing performance of the connection.
[0060] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the extrusion is 95–175 GPa. This gives the extrusion a certain degree of rigidity and the ability to undergo plastic deformation, thus ensuring sealing.
[0061] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments. However, it should be understood that such modifications and variations fall within the scope and spirit of this utility model as described in the claims. Moreover, the utility model described herein may have other embodiments and can be implemented or realized in various ways.
Claims
1. A tailpipe system, characterized in that, It includes at least two inner tubes, at least two outer tubes, an outer connection portion connecting adjacent outer tubes, and an inner connection portion connecting adjacent inner tubes. The outer tubes are sleeved outside the inner tubes, and the inner tubes extend outside the outer tubes. The inner connection portions connect to the exposed portion of the inner tubes and communicate with the inner tubes. Each inner connection portion is accommodated within an outer tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each outer tube and the corresponding outer connection portion. A flow channel structure that allows liquid or gaseous substances to pass through is formed between the inner tubular structure formed by sequentially connecting each inner tube and the corresponding inner connection portion and the outer tubular structure. The external part includes a first connector, a first fastener, a second fastener, and a movable part; The first connector includes a first pipe, and the movable part includes a second pipe. The inner sidewall of the second pipe is slidably fitted with the outer sidewall of the outer pipe, so that the second pipe can slide along the extension direction of the outer pipe. The two ends of the second pipe are respectively connected to the first pipe and the outer pipe. The first fastener is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the first pipe and the second pipe, forming a sealed connection with both the second pipe and the first pipe. The second fastener is sleeved on the outside of the joint between the outer tube and the second pipe, forming a sealed connection with both the second pipe and the outer tube.
2. The tailpipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner part includes a second connector and a third fastener. The second connector includes a third pipe, one end of which is connected to one end of the inner tube. The third fastener is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube and is threaded to one end of the third pipe. The third fastener is used to undergo plastic deformation after being threaded to one end of the third pipe to form a sealed connection with the inner tube.
3. The tailpipeline according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second connector further includes a support portion. The first pipe is sleeved on the outside of the third pipe, and an annular space is formed between the first pipe and the third pipe. The support portion is disposed between the third pipe and the first pipe. The support portion is used to connect the third pipe and the first pipe. The support portion has a hole-like structure, which is used to connect the annular spaces located on both sides of the support portion.
4. The tailpipeline according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first fastener, the second fastener, and the third fastener all include a nut and a fastening assembly; The fastening assembly is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe; The nut is threaded to one end of the second pipe, the other end of the second pipe, or one end of the third pipe, for axially pressing the fastening assembly, causing the fastening assembly to undergo plastic deformation, so as to seal the connection with the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe.
5. The tailpipeline according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the second pipe, the other end of the second pipe, and one end of the third pipe are all provided with external threads and sealing tapered surfaces, and the external threads are used to connect the nut; The fastening assembly includes a pressing member, which is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe. The pressing member includes an engaging section and a supporting section, which are connected. The support section includes an arc-shaped inner surface, which is used to disperse the axial pressure applied by the nut; The engagement section includes a conical outer surface and a cylindrical inner surface. The conical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface are connected to form an acute-angled edge. The conical outer surface fits against the sealing conical surface. When the nut applies axial pressure, under the cooperation of the sealing conical surface, the engagement section undergoes plastic deformation toward the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe, and is sealed to the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe.
6. The tailpipeline according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fastening assembly further includes a retaining member, which is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe, the outer pipe, or the inner pipe; The abutting member includes an abutting surface and a supporting surface. The abutting surface abuts against the arc-shaped inner surface, and the supporting surface abuts against the nut.
7. The tailpipeline according to claim 6, characterized in that, The abutment has an annular groove and a sealing ring. The sealing ring is disposed in the annular groove, and the outer diameter of the sealing ring is in contact with the inner surface of the nut.
8. The tailpipeline according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hardness of the extrusion member is less than the hardness of the support member.
9. The tailpipeline according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The extrusion is an extrusion with an elastic modulus of 95 to 175 GPa.
10. The tailpipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector further includes a first prism, which is interference-fitted onto the outside of the first pipe, and the prism face of the first prism is parallel to the axis of the first pipe. The movable component also includes a second prism, which is interference-fitted onto the outside of the second pipe, and the facet of the second prism is parallel to the axis of the second pipe.