Piping Apparatus, Coupling Device, and Method

Abstract

The pipe apparatus may include a coupling device having a seal surrounding a central axis. The seal further includes a first circumferential pocket at least partially defined by first and second circumferential flanges. A fluid directing device positioned at least partially within the first circumferential pocket includes a plurality of segments radially arranged to surround the central axis. The fluid directing device at least partially defines a fluid path. Each method may include coupling a first end portion of a first pipe segment to a second end portion of a second pipe segment using the coupling device. The method of using the pipe apparatus may include passing a fluid through the fluid path to cool the seal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to piping arrangements, coupling devices, and methods, and more particularly to piping arrangements, coupling devices, and methods for providing fluid-cooled coupling devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In some environments, liquid delivery systems must be designed to withstand high temperature conditions during operation. For example, water sprinkler systems are required to deliver liquid (e.g., water) to very hot areas to extinguish fires. Such liquid delivery systems are typically fabricated from pipe segments that are joined together when installing the piping system.

[0003] It is known to provide metallic joining devices for joining metal pipe segments. Such metallic joining devices are inexpensive to install because they can be used to quickly mechanically join pipe segments in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the mechanical join can be easily disassembled, thereby allowing for subsequent replacement or other maintenance of the pipe segments without damaging the liquid delivery system. However, rubber seals typically used to provide a liquid-tight connection between pipe segments can deteriorate and break down in high temperature environments.

[0004] It is also known to use heat-resistant polymeric pipe segments to provide a liquid delivery system. For example, the polymeric pipe segments may include chlorinated polyvinyl chloride designed to operate under high temperature conditions. Mechanical bonds may be used to join the pipe segments. However, the polymeric pipe segments may soften excessively and fail to maintain a proper mechanical connection between the pipe segments. The pipe segments may be permanently attached to one another, for example, using hot air welding, fusion welding, or solvent cementing processes. However, such joining techniques are labor intensive and therefore expensive options for joining pipe segments. Furthermore, such joining techniques permanently join the pipe segments, thus complicating subsequent maintenance or disassembly without damaging the liquid delivery system.

[0005] A joining device is desired that allows for releasable and quick joining of segments while withstanding high temperature operating environments. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a pipe apparatus having pipe segments that can be rapidly coupled and separated from one another using a mechanical coupling device. The mechanical coupling device is designed to allow the seal to withstand high temperature operating conditions while coupling pipe segments that include metal or other heat resistant materials. The mechanical coupling device can include features that encourage a portion of the liquid flowing through the pipe segment to move in a fluid path that cools the seal during use. The fluid-cooled seals and / or other features of the present disclosure help enable the use of high temperature resistant pipe segments (e.g., metal pipe segments) that can maintain the structural integrity of the joints between the pipe segments, while allowing the seal to be maintained at an acceptable temperature in high temperature environments that would otherwise damage the seal and cause failure of the fluid-tight seals at the joints between the pipe segments.

[0007] Several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below, with the understanding that any of the embodiments can be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0008] Embodiment 1. A pipe apparatus includes a first pipe segment including a first end portion including a first outer periphery and a second pipe segment including a second end portion including a second outer periphery facing the first outer periphery. The first outer periphery is spaced from the second outer periphery to define a circumferential gap between the first and second outer periphery. A seal surrounds the circumferential gap. The seal includes a first circumferential flange engaging the first end portion of the first pipe segment and a second circumferential flange engaging the second end portion of the second pipe segment. The pipe apparatus further includes a first circumferential pocket defined between an inner surface of the seal and the first and second end portions. A fluid directing device is at least partially positioned within the first circumferential pocket. The fluid directing device includes a plurality of segments radially arranged to surround the first and second end portions. The fluid directing device further includes a first axial end positioned on the first end portion and a second axial end positioned on the second end portion. The fluid directing device at least partially defines a fluid pathway extending from the circumferential gap through a region defined between the fluid directing device and the inner surface of the seal.

[0009] Embodiment 2. The pipe apparatus of embodiment 1, comprising a circumferential guide flange extending at least partially into the circumferential gap between the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, wherein the axial width of the circumferential guide flange is less than the axial width of the circumferential gap.

[0010] Embodiment 3. The pipe apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the circumferential guide flange is spaced from the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery.

[0011] Embodiment 4. A pipe apparatus described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a first tongue-and-groove connection that axially locks the fluid guiding device to the first end portion, and a second tongue-and-groove connection that axially locks the fluid guiding device to the second end portion.

[0012] Embodiment 5. A pipe arrangement as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising a third tongue-and-groove connection that axially locks the seal to the fluid guide device.

[0013] Embodiment 6. A pipe apparatus described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the outer surface of the fluid guide device further comprises at least one blind channel extending from the first axial end to the second axial end, the region comprising the blind channel.

[0014] Embodiment 7. A pipe apparatus described in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the fluid guiding device further comprises at least one first through channel extending from the first axial end toward the second axial end, and the axial length of the first through channel is shorter than the axial length of the fluid guiding device.

[0015] Embodiment 8. A pipe apparatus as described in embodiment 7, wherein the axial length of the first through channel is less than or equal to half the axial length of the fluid guide device.

[0016] Embodiment 9. A pipe apparatus described in any one of embodiments 7 to 8, wherein the fluid guide device further comprises at least one second through channel extending from the second axial end toward the first axial end, and the axial length of the second through channel is shorter than the axial length of the fluid guide device.

[0017] Embodiment 10. A pipe apparatus as described in embodiment 9, wherein the axial length of the second channel is less than or equal to half the axial length of the fluid guide device.

[0018] Embodiment 11. A piping apparatus as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising a housing having a second circumferential pocket, the seal being positioned within the second circumferential pocket.

[0019] Embodiment 12. A pipe apparatus as described in embodiment 11, further comprising a heat shield at least partially surrounding the housing, the heat shield being spaced from the housing to define a chamber between the heat shield and the housing.

[0020] Embodiment 13. A method of using the pipe apparatus of embodiment 1, comprising passing an upstream amount of fluid through an interior of a first pipe segment in a first axial direction of the first pipe segment, the method further comprising passing a first portion of the first upstream amount of fluid through an interior of a second pipe segment in a second axial direction of the second pipe segment, the method further comprising cooling the seal by passing a second portion of the first upstream amount of fluid through the region, and then passing a second portion of the first upstream amount of fluid through an interior of the second pipe segment.

[0021] Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 13, further comprising driving a second portion of the first upstream fluid through the region by a pressure drop.

[0022] Embodiment 15. A pipe apparatus includes a first pipe segment including a first end portion including a first outer periphery. The pipe apparatus further includes a second pipe segment. The second pipe segment includes a second end portion including a second outer periphery facing the first outer periphery. The first outer periphery is spaced from the second outer periphery to define a circumferential gap between the first and second outer periphery. A seal surrounds the circumferential gap. The seal includes a first circumferential flange engaging the first end portion of the first pipe segment and a second circumferential flange engaging the second end portion of the second pipe segment. The pipe apparatus further includes a first circumferential pocket defined between an inner surface of the seal and the first and second end portions. The pipe apparatus further includes a fluid directing device at least partially positioned within the first circumferential pocket. The fluid directing device includes a circumferential guide flange extending at least partially into a circumferential gap between the first and second outer circumferential edges. The axial width of the circumferential guide flange is less than the axial width of the circumferential gap. The circumferential guide flange is spaced from the first outer circumferential edge to define a fluid inlet port, and the circumferential guide flange is spaced from the second outer circumferential edge to define a fluid outlet port. The fluid directing device at least partially defines a fluid path extending from the fluid inlet port, through an area defined between the fluid directing device and an inner surface of the seal, and from the area to the fluid outlet port.

[0023] Embodiment 16. A method of using the pipe apparatus of embodiment 15, comprising passing an upstream amount of fluid through an interior of the first pipe segment in a first axial direction of the first pipe segment. The method further comprises passing a first portion of the first upstream amount of fluid through an interior of the second pipe segment in a second axial direction of the second pipe segment. The method still further comprises passing a second portion of the first upstream amount of fluid through a fluid inlet port, then through the region to cool the seal, then through a fluid outlet port, and then passing a second portion of the first upstream amount of fluid through an interior of the second pipe segment.

[0024] Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the region includes at least one blind channel in an outer surface of the fluid guiding device, and passing a second portion of the first upstream flow rate of the fluid through the region includes passing a second portion of the first upstream flow rate of the fluid through the blind channel from a first axial end of the fluid guiding device to a second axial end of the fluid guiding device.

[0025] Embodiment 18. The method according to embodiment 17, wherein after the second portion of the first upstream flow rate of the fluid passes through the fluid inlet port and before passing through the blind channel, the second portion of the first upstream flow rate of the fluid then passes through at least one first through channel of the fluid guiding device extending from the first axial end towards the second axial end. The length of the first through channel is less than the axial length of the fluid guiding device.

[0026] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 16-18, further comprising driving a second portion of the first upstream flow rate of fluid through the region by a pressure drop between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port.

[0027] Embodiment 20. A coupling device comprises a seal surrounding a central axis of the coupling device. The seal comprises a first circumferential flange extending toward the central axis and a second circumferential flange extending toward the central axis. The seal further comprises a first circumferential pocket at least partially defined by an inner surface of the seal, the first circumferential flange, and the second circumferential flange. The coupling device further comprises a fluid directing device positioned at least partially within the first circumferential pocket. The fluid directing device comprises a plurality of segments radially arranged to surround the central axis. The fluid directing device at least partially defines a fluid path extending through an area defined between the fluid directing device and the inner surface of the seal.

[0028] Embodiment 21. A coupling device as described in embodiment 20, wherein the seal biases the multiple segments together into a contracted configuration.

[0029] Embodiment 22. A coupling device described in any one of embodiments 20 to 21, wherein the fluid guide device has a circumferential guide flange extending toward and surrounding the central axis.

[0030] Embodiment 23. A coupling device according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, further comprising a tongue and groove connection for axially locking the seal to the fluid guide device.

[0031] Embodiment 24. A coupling device described in any one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the outer surface of the fluid guide device further comprises at least one blind channel extending from the first axial end of the fluid guide device to the second axial end of the fluid guide device, the region comprising a blind channel.

[0032] Embodiment 25. A coupling device according to any one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the fluid guide device further comprises at least one first through channel extending from the first axial end of the fluid guide device to the second axial end of the fluid guide device. The axial length of the first through channel is less than the axial length of the fluid guide device.

[0033] Embodiment 26. A coupling device as described in embodiment 25, wherein the axial length of the first through channel is less than or equal to half the axial length of the fluid guide device.

[0034] Embodiment 27. A coupling device described in any one of embodiments 25 to 26, wherein the fluid guide device further comprises at least one second through channel extending from the second axial end toward the first axial end, and the axial length of the second through channel is shorter than the axial length of the fluid guide device.

[0035] Embodiment 28. A coupling device as described in embodiment 27, wherein the axial length of the second through channel is less than or equal to half the axial length of the fluid guide device.

[0036] Embodiment 29. A coupling device described in any one of embodiments 25 to 28, wherein the outer surface of the fluid guide device further comprises at least one blind channel extending from the first axial end to the second axial end, the region comprising the blind channel.

[0037] Embodiment 30. A method of assembling a pipe arrangement with a coupling device according to claim 20, comprising: inserting a first outer circumferential edge of a first end portion of a first pipe segment into a first axial opening of the seal. A first circumferential flange seals against an outer circumferential surface of the first end portion. The method further comprises axially locking the first end portion of the first pipe segment to the fluid guiding device. The method further comprises inserting a second outer circumferential edge of a second end portion of a second pipe segment into a second axial opening of the seal. A second circumferential flange seals against an outer circumferential surface of the second end portion. The method still further comprises axially locking the second end portion of the second pipe segment to the fluid guiding device. The first outer circumferential edge faces a second outer circumferential edge, and a gap is defined between the first and second outer circumferential edges.

[0038] Embodiment 31. The method of embodiment 30, wherein a circumferential guiding flange of the fluid guiding device extends into the gap.

[0039] Embodiment 32. The method of embodiment 31, wherein the circumferential guide flange is spaced from the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery.

[0040] Embodiment 33. A method according to any one of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein axially locking the first end portion of the first pipe segment to the fluid guide device includes engaging a tongue of one of the first end portion or the fluid guide device with a groove of the other of the first end portion or the fluid guide device.

[0041] Embodiment 34. The method of embodiment 33, wherein axially locking the second end portion of the first pipe segment to the fluid guide device includes engaging a tongue of one of the second end portion or the fluid guide device with a groove of the other of the first end portion or the fluid guide device.

[0042] Embodiment 35. A method according to any one of embodiments 30 to 34, wherein inserting a first outer peripheral edge of a first end portion of a first pipe segment into a first axial opening of the seal expands a first corresponding axial end of a plurality of segments of the fluid guide device against the bias of the seal.

[0043] Embodiment 36. The method of embodiment 35, wherein axially locking the first end portion to the fluid guide device includes clamping first corresponding axial ends of a plurality of segments of the fluid guide device.

[0044] Embodiment 37. A method according to any one of embodiments 30 to 36, wherein inserting the second outer peripheral edge of the second end portion of the second pipe segment into the second axial opening of the seal expands corresponding second axial ends of the multiple segments of the fluid guide device against the bias of the seal.

[0045] Embodiment 38. The method of embodiment 37, wherein axially locking the second end portion to the fluid guide device includes clamping corresponding second axial ends of multiple segments of the fluid guide device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] These and other embodiments will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a piping apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0048] [Diagram 2]FIG. 13 is a further top perspective view of a pipe apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the pipe arrangement of FIG. 2.

[0050] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a segment of the fluid directing device shown in FIG. 3.

[0051] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a segment of the fluid directing device of FIG. 4.

[0052] [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a segment of the fluid directing device shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] [Figure 7] 3A-3D show steps in a first method of assembling the piping arrangement of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 3A-3D show steps in a first method of assembling the piping arrangement of FIG. 2.

[0054] [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe arrangement taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0055] [Figure 10] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe arrangement taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 2.

[0056] [Figure 11] 3A-3C show steps in a second method of assembling the piping arrangement of FIG. 2. [Figure 12] 3A-3C show steps in a second method of assembling the piping arrangement of FIG. 2. [Figure 13] 3A-3C show steps in a second method of assembling the piping arrangement of FIG. 2.

[0057] [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the piping arrangement taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 10.

[0058] [Figure 15] 15 is an enlarged view of FIG. 10 as seen in FIG. 10, but with a cross section taken through a through channel of a segment of the fluid directing device, where a piping arrangement is used to cool the seal.

[0059] [Figure 16] 15 is an enlarged view of FIG. 8 taken at FIG. 16 of FIG. 8 showing the piping arrangement being used to cool the seal, the seal in the position shown in FIG. 15 being shown diagrammatically in dashed lines for clarity;

[0060] [Figure 17] 3A-3D show steps for assembling an insulating device to the pipe arrangement shown in FIG. 2 to provide the pipe arrangement shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 18] 3A-3D show steps for assembling an insulating device to the pipe arrangement shown in FIG. 2 to provide the pipe arrangement shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 19] 3A-3D show steps for assembling an insulating device to the pipe arrangement shown in FIG. 2 to provide the pipe arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

[0061] [Figure 20] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the piping system taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0063] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pipe arrangement 101 including a first pipe segment 103a, a second pipe segment 103b, and an insulation device 105, which will be described more fully below. FIG. 2 illustrates the pipe arrangement 101 without the insulation device 105 for clarity, and also illustrates an embodiment of the pipe arrangement 101 that does not include the insulation device 105. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pipe arrangement 101 may further include a coupling device 201 including a seal 203 that surrounds a central axis 205 of the coupling device 201 and end portions of the pipe segments 103a, 103b. In some embodiments, the pipe arrangement 101 may be considered a coupling device 201, either alone or in combination with portions of the pipe segments 103a, 103b.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, showing a first pipe segment 103a with a first end portion 1001a and a second pipe segment 103b with a second end portion 1001b. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a includes a first outer peripheral edge 1005a, and the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b includes a second outer peripheral edge 1005b. The outer peripheral edges 1005a, 1005b can include rounded, tapered, or flat blunt edges. For example, both outer peripheral edges 1005a, 1005b can include a substantially flat surface (see, for example, 1005a in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 7, the second outer peripheral edge 1005b can be opposite the first outer peripheral edge 1005a. Additionally, the first outer periphery edge 1005a can be spaced apart from the second outer periphery edge 1005b to define a circumferential gap 1007 therebetween. As shown in FIG. 7, the circumferential gap 1007 can comprise a gap width 701. In some embodiments, the gap width 701 can be substantially constant around the pipe circumference, with the outer periphery edges 1005a, 1005b extending parallel to one another. Providing the outer periphery edges 1005a, 1005b as substantially flat and parallel edges can allow the gap width 701 to be substantially constant across at least a portion of the pipe wall thickness and radially about the central axis 205. Providing a substantially constant gap width 701 can allow for uniform fluid flow through the gap width 701 when cooling the seal 203.

[0065] As shown, the pipe segments 103a, 103b can comprise cylindrical pipe segments, although the pipe segments can comprise elliptical, polygonal, or other shaped cylindrical pipe segments in further embodiments. Additionally, for clarity, only a small portion of the pipe segments 103a, 103b are shown. In some embodiments, one or both of the pipe segments can comprise a substantially straight segment moving from one junction to the next. In further embodiments, one or both of the pipe segments may comprise a portion of a fitting, such as a T, elbow, cross, reducer, cap, valve, adapter, or other type of fitting. The pipe segments 103a, 103b can comprise a wide range of materials that can maintain structural integrity at temperatures up to 850° C., such as metals (e.g., steel, brass), or can maintain structural integrity at temperatures up to 150° C. (e.g., chlorinated polyvinyl chloride).

[0066] 10-11, the coupling device 201 can include a seal 203 that surrounds a central axis 205 of the coupling device 201. The seal 203 can include a first circumferential flange 1101a and a second circumferential flange 1101b that each extend toward and surround the central axis 205. As shown in FIG. 11, the first circumferential flange 1101a and the second circumferential flange 1101b can each define a first axial opening 1103a into the coupling device 201 and a second axial opening 1103b into the coupling device 201. The seal 203 can further include a first circumferential pocket 1105 that is at least partially defined by the first circumferential flange 1101a and the second circumferential flange 1101b. For example, the first circumferential pocket 1105 may be at least partially defined by an inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203, a first circumferential lip 1109a of the first circumferential flange 1101a extending toward the second axial opening 1103b of the seal 203, and a second circumferential lip 1109b of the second circumferential flange 1101b extending toward the first axial opening 1103a of the seal 203. The seal 203 may include a wide range of materials. For example, the seal 203 may include a flexible elastomeric material capable of conforming to the shape of the outer surface of the pipe segment for a fluid-tight fit. In some embodiments, the seal 203 may include EPDM rubber, although in further embodiments, other types of materials may be provided.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the coupling device 201 may further include a fluid directing device 301. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 14, the fluid directing device may include a plurality of segments 301a-301f arranged radially around the central axis 205. The illustrated plurality of segments 301a-301f includes six segments arranged radially around the central axis 205, however, it should be understood that any number of two or more segments less than or more than the six illustrated segments may be provided. In some embodiments, as shown, each segment of the plurality of segments 301a-301f may be identical to one another, however, in further embodiments, different configurations may be provided.

[0068] Although a first segment 301a of the plurality of segments 301a-301f is illustrated in Figures 4-6, it should be understood that the description of the first segment 301a may apply to the other segments 301b-301f, each of which may be identical to the first segment 301a. As illustrated in Figures 4-6, each of the segments may comprise an arcuate wall 501 having an inner concave surface 503 that may extend at a substantially constant radius "R" from the central axis 205 when installed as illustrated in Figure 14. The segments further comprise a segment axis that is coincident with the central axis 205 when installed as illustrated in Figure 14. As shown in Figures 14-15, a portion of the inner concave surface 503 having a substantially constant radius "R" can extend closely along the outer circumferential surface 1301b of the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b, and another portion of the inner concave surface 503 having a substantially constant radius "R" can extend closely along the outer circumferential surface 1301a of the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, each of the guide segments can include a circumferential guide flange 401. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 14, each of the circumferential guide flanges 401 of each of the plurality of segments 301a-301f can extend toward and cooperate to surround the central axis 205. As further illustrated, the outer convex surface 403 of the fluid guide device 301 can include at least one blind channel 405. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the outer convex surface 403 can face opposite the inner concave surface 503 of the arcuate wall 501. In some embodiments, the outer convex surface 403 can be geometrically similar to the inner concave surface 503, and at least a portion of the arcuate wall 501 can include a continuous wall thickness between the outer convex surface 403 and the inner concave surface 503.

[0070] The fluid guiding device 301 may comprise at least one blind channel. For example, as shown in Figs. 4-5, the outer convex surface 403 of the arcuate wall 501 of the first segment 301a may comprise at least one blind channel 405 extending along the segment axis from the first axial end 407a of the first segment 301a of the fluid guiding device 301 to the second axial end 407b of the first segment 301a of the fluid guiding device 301. Although two blind channels 405 per segment are shown, in further embodiments, one or more than two blind channels per segment may be provided in further embodiments. For the purposes of this disclosure, a blind channel in the outer convex surface 403 of the arcuate wall 501 means a channel that does not extend through the entire thickness of the arcuate wall 501 between the inner concave surface 503 and the outer convex surface 403 of the arcuate wall 501. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 16, the blind channel 405 may comprise a linear blind channel extending parallel to the central axis 205. In further embodiments, although not shown, serpentine blind channels 405 in the shape of a sinusoid or other non-linear and / or linear blind channel pattern may be incorporated into further embodiments. Providing a single pass linear blind channel as shown may reduce flow resistance which may, in some embodiments, increase convective heat transfer from the seal 203 due to an increased flow rate of fluid moving within the blind channel. Providing a serpentine or other non-linear and / or linear blind channel pattern may increase the amount of time the fluid is in contact with the seal, thereby giving the fluid more time to conduct heat away from the seal, resulting in greater heat transfer per volume of fluid moving through the blind channel, as described more fully below.

[0071] The fluid directing device 301 may further comprise at least one through channel extending from one axial end of the fluid directing device 301 towards the other axial end of the fluid directing device 301. For purposes of this disclosure, through channel refers to a channel extending through the entire thickness of the arcuate wall 501 between the inner concave surface 503 and the outer convex surface 403 of the arcuate wall 501. For example, as shown in Figures 4-6, the first segment 301a may comprise a first through channel 409a extending from the first axial end 407a of the first segment 301a towards the second axial end 407b of the first segment 301a. As further shown in Figures 4-6, the first segment 301a may comprise a second through channel 409b extending from the second axial end 407b of the first segment 301a towards the first axial end 407a of the first segment 301a. As shown in FIG. 16, the axial length "L2" of the first through channel 409a and / or the axial length "L2" of the second through channel 409b may be less than the axial length "L1" of the fluid directing device 301, such as less than or equal to half the axial length "L1" of the fluid directing device. As shown, the through channels 409a, 409b may include linear through channels extending parallel to the central axis 205, although in further embodiments, other non-linear shapes or patterns may be provided. Additionally, as shown, each segment 301a-301f includes a single first through channel 409a and a single second through channel 409b. Although not shown, in further embodiments, at least one first through channel may comprise multiple first through channels and / or at least one second through channel may comprise multiple second through channels.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the fluid directing device 301 can be mounted within the seal 203. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of segments 301a-301f can be positioned at least partially within the first circumferential pocket 1105. In some embodiments, the pipe apparatus 101 can be considered as a coupling device 201 without the pipe segments 103a, 103b. In fact, as shown in FIG. 11, the coupling device 201 can be assembled without the pipe segments 103a, 103b, and the coupling device (with the segments 301a-301f mounted within the seal 203) can be sold separately or provided in another manner for later coupling with the pipe segments. The seal 203 can include features that help secure the pipe segments 103a, 103b in place even when not connected to the pipe segments. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the plurality of segments 301a-301f are positioned at least partially within the first circumferential pocket 1105, the first axial end 407a of each of the segments 301a-301f can be positioned within a first inward end pocket defined between the first circumferential lip 1109a and the inner concave surface 1107. Similarly, the second axial end 407b of each of the segments 301a-301f can be positioned within a second inward end pocket defined between the second circumferential lip 1109b and the inner concave surface 1107. When positioned, each of the segments 301a-301f is captured by the first and second inward end pockets in the illustrated seated position within the first circumferential pocket 1105. Additionally, the coupling device 201 can include a tongue and groove connection that axially locks the seal 203 to the fluid directing device 301. For purposes of this application, axially locking refers to a connection in which relative movement between the parts in the direction of the central axis 205 of the coupling device 201 is inhibited, e.g., prevented. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the coupling device can include a tongue-and-groove connection as shown, in which a tongue 1501 of each of the segments 301a-301f is seated within a groove 1503 in the inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203.The tongue 1501 seated in the groove 1503 can axially lock the seal 203 to the fluid directing device 301 because relative movement between the seal 203 and the fluid directing device 301 in the direction of the central axis 205 of the coupling device 201 is prevented, i.e., inhibited, by the tongue-and-groove connection. Although not shown, in a further embodiment, the tongue-and-groove connection can include a tongue defined by an inner surface of the seal that seats in a groove defined by each of the segments.

[0073] In some embodiments, the seal 203 can bias multiple segments 301a-301f together into a contracted configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203 can snugly engage the outer convex surface 403 of the segments 301a-301f, thereby holding the segments together with corresponding side edges of adjacent pairs of the segments 301a-301f that engage with each other. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the side edges of adjacent pairs of the segments 301a-301f can be keyed together to facilitate proper alignment. For example, a tongue on one side edge of one segment can fit into a groove on an adjacent side edge of an adjacent segment to facilitate alignment while the seal 203 biases the segments together. In some embodiments, although not required, the seal 203 can be stretched over multiple segments 301a-301f to radially contract the segments together in a radially contracted orientation and to press the side edges of adjacent pairs of segments together, while the tension of the seal 203 facilitates maintaining the segments in the radially contracted orientation.

[0074] When assembled, the circumferential guide flanges 401 of the segments 301a-301f of the fluid directing device 301 can cooperate to extend toward and circumferentially surround the central axis 205. In some embodiments, as shown, adjacent sides of adjacent pairs of the circumferential guide flanges 401 can abut one another in the contracted orientation to provide the circumferential guide flanges 401 as a substantially continuous guide flange that circumscribes the central axis 205.

[0075] As illustrated by the fluid flow arrows described below and shown in Figures 15-16, the fluid directing device 301 at least partially defines a fluid path that extends through a region defined between the fluid directing device 301 and the inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203. As illustrated in Figure 14, the region can include a blind channel 405 that is covered by the inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203 to define a fluid path referenced by the arrows shown passing through the blind channel 405 in Figure 16. As illustrated in Figure 16, the blind channel 405 extends from the first axial end 407a to the second axial end 407b such that a fluid path can pass through the entire axial length "L1" as well as the first and second axial ends 407a, 407b.

[0076] 15 shows a pipe arrangement 101 in which a coupling device 201 couples a first end portion 1001a of a first pipe segment 103a to a second end portion 1001b of a second pipe segment 103b. The axial locking is achieved by axially locking the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a to the fluid guiding device 301 and axially locking the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b to the fluid guiding device 301. In some embodiments, the axial locking can be achieved by a tongue-and-groove connection, where the first tongue-and-groove connection axially locks the first end portion 1001a to the fluid guiding device 301 and the second tongue-and-groove connection axially locks the second end portion 1001b to the fluid guiding device 301.

[0077] Each tongue-and-groove connection can include a tongue of one of the end portion of the pipe segment and the fluid guiding device engaging a groove of the other of the end portion of the pipe segment and the fluid guiding device. In some embodiments, the fluid guiding device comprises a groove configured to receive and engage the tongue of the end portion of the pipe segment. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, each segment 301a-301f can comprise a first tongue 601a and a second tongue 601b. Each of the first and second tongues 601a, 601b can comprise an inclined surface 603a, 603b. The first inclined surface 603a can be inclined inwardly toward the central axis 205 in a direction from the first axial opening 1103a to the second axial opening 1103b. The second inclined surface 603b can be inclined inwardly toward the central axis 205 in a direction from the second axial opening 1103b to the first axial opening 1103a. 15, the first tongue 601a of each segment 103a-103f can engage with a first groove 1505a of the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 301a to axially lock the first pipe segment 103a to the coupling device 201. Similarly, the second tongue 601b of each segment 103a-103f can engage with a second groove 1505b of the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 301b to axially lock the second pipe segment 103b to the coupling device 201.

[0078] A method of assembling a pipe arrangement 101 with the above-mentioned coupling device 201 will now be described with reference to Figs. 11-13. As shown in Fig. 11, the first pipe segment 103a may be aligned with the first axial opening 1103a. As shown in Fig. 12, the first outer peripheral edge 1005a of the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a may be inserted in a first inward axial direction 1201a into the first axial opening 1103a of the seal 203. By inserting the first outer peripheral edge 1005a through the first axial opening 1103a, the first circumferential flange 1101a is sealed against the outer peripheral surface 1301a of the first end portion 1001a. The method further comprises axially locking the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a to the fluid guiding device 301. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the outer portion 1102a (e.g., the chamfered portion shown) of the first outer peripheral edge 1005a may engage the inclined surface 603a of the first tongue 601a, and by further inserting the first outer peripheral edge 1005a of the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a into the first axial opening 1103a of the seal 203, the first corresponding axial ends of the multiple segments 301a-301f of the fluid guide device 301 expand against the bias of the seal 203. Once fully inserted, the first tongue 601a drops into the first groove 1505a by the seal 203 clamping the first corresponding axial ends of the plurality of segments 301a-301f of the fluid guiding device 301 to axially lock the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a to the fluid guiding device 301, as shown in FIG. 13. Once axially locked, the seal 203 can bias the first tongue 601a to remain in the first groove 1505a to maintain the axially locked connection. Once axially locked, the first gap 1507a is maintained between the first outer peripheral edge 1005a and the circumferential guiding flange 401, as shown in FIG.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 12, the second pipe segment 103b may be aligned with the second axial opening 1103b. As shown in Fig. 13, the second outer peripheral edge 1005b of the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b may be inserted in the second inward axial direction 1201b into the second axial opening 1103b of the seal 203. As shown in Fig. 15, the step of inserting the second outer peripheral edge 1005b through the second axial opening 1103b causes the second circumferential flange 1101b to be sealed against the outer peripheral surface 1301b of the second end portion 1001b. The method further includes axially locking the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b to the fluid directing device 301. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the outer portion 1102b (e.g., the chamfered portion shown) of the second outer peripheral edge 1005b may engage the inclined surface 603b of the second tongue 601b, and by further inserting the second outer peripheral edge 1005b of the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b into the second axial opening 1103b of the seal 203, the second corresponding axial ends of the multiple segments 301a-301f of the fluid guide device 301 expand against the bias of the seal 203. Once fully inserted, the second tongue 601b drops into the second groove 1505b by the seal 203 clamping the second corresponding axial ends of the plurality of segments 301a-301f of the fluid guiding device 301 to axially lock the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b to the fluid guiding device 301, as shown in FIG. 15. Once axially locked, the seal 203 can bias the second tongue 601b to remain in the second groove 1505b to maintain the axially locked connection. Once axially locked, the second gap 1507b is maintained between the second outer peripheral edge 1005b and the circumferential guiding flange 401, as shown in FIG.

[0080] Thus, when the first and second end portions 1001a, 1001b are axially locked relative to one another by the coupling device, a circumferential gap 1007 may be maintained between the first outer peripheral edge 1005a and the second outer peripheral edge 1005b. Additionally, the circumferential guide flanges 401 of the segments 301a-301f of the fluid guiding device 301 may extend into the circumferential gap 1007. In some embodiments, the circumferential guide flanges 401 may extend over a portion or the entirety of the first and second outer peripheral edges 1005a, 1005b. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential guide flanges 401 extend over the entirety of the first and second outer peripheral edges 1005a, 1005b and over the outer peripheral edges such that the tip of the circumferential guide flanges 401 extends within the footprint of the inner diameter of the pipe segment, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0081] 7-10 show another method of assembling the pipe arrangement 101. As shown in FIG. 7, the first outer periphery edge 1005a of the first pipe segment 103a can be inserted through the inside of the seal 203. When fully inserted, the first circumferential flange 1101a and the second circumferential flange 1101b seal against the outer periphery surface 1301a of the first pipe segment 103a to define a first circumferential pocket 1105 (see FIG. 9) between the inner concave surface 1107 of the first pipe segment 103a and the outer periphery surface 1301a. The first and second pipe segments 103a, 103b can then be coaxially aligned with the first outer circumferential edge 1005a of the first pipe segment 103a spaced apart from the second outer circumferential edge 1005b of the second pipe segment 103b to form a circumferential gap 1007 with a gap width 701.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 8, the segments 301a-301f of the fluid guiding device 301 can be arranged radially around the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a and the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b. As shown in Fig. 9, when positioned radially, the first tongue 601a of each of the segments 301a-301f is received in the first groove 1505a of the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 9, when positioned radially, the second tongue 601b of each of the segments 301a-301f is received in the second groove 1505b of the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b. As shown in Figure 10, the seal 203 can then be moved relative to the fluid directing device 301 in the direction of arrow 901 until the fluid directing device 301 is seated within the first circumferential pocket 1105. Once in place, as shown in Figure 10, the seal 203 can urge the segments 301a-301f into the contracted orientation as shown, and the first and second pipe segments 103a, 103b are locked relative to one another by the coupling device 201.

[0083] When the pipe arrangement 101 is assembled (e.g., by the method illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 or the method illustrated in FIGS. 11-13), the seal 203 can surround the circumferential gap 1007 (see FIG. 10). As further shown in FIG. 15, the first circumferential flange 1101a can engage and seal against the outer circumferential surface 1301a of the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a. Additionally, the second circumferential flange 1101b can engage and seal against the outer circumferential surface 1301b of the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b. A first circumferential pocket 1105 may be defined between an inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203 and an outer circumferential surface 1301a of the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a and an outer circumferential surface 1301b of the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b. The fluid directing device 301 may be at least partially positioned within the first circumferential pocket 1105 with the plurality of segments 301a-301f radially arranged to surround the first end portion 1001a of the first pipe segment 103a and the second end portion 1001b of the second pipe segment 103b. The fluid guide device 301 may further include a first axial end positioned on the first end portion 1001a and a second axial end positioned on the second end portion 1001b, and the fluid guide device 301 at least partially defines a fluid path extending from the circumferential gap 1007 through an area defined between the fluid guide device 301 and the inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203 (e.g., the blind channel 405).

[0084] Furthermore, when the pipe arrangement 101 is assembled, the circumferential guide flanges 401 of the fluid guide device 301 can each extend at least partially into the circumferential gap 1007 between the first outer peripheral edge 1005a and the second outer peripheral edge 1005b, and the axial width 1509 (see FIG. 15 ) of the circumferential guide flanges 401 is less than the axial gap width 1007 of the circumferential gap 701. The width difference can provide that the circumferential guide flanges 401 are spaced apart from the first outer peripheral edge 1005a to define a first gap 1507a therebetween. Furthermore, the width difference can provide that the circumferential guide flanges 401 are spaced apart from the second outer peripheral edge 1005b to define a second gap 1507b therebetween. Maintenance of the first and second gaps 1507a, 1507b may be provided by a first tongue-and-groove connection (e.g., 601a, 1505a) that axially locks the fluid guide device 301 to the first end portion 1001a, and a second tongue-and-groove connection (e.g., 601b, 1505b) that axially locks the fluid guide device 301 to the second end portion 1001b.

[0085] A method of using the pipe apparatus is illustrated in Figures 15-16. The method can include passing an upstream quantity of fluid 1511 through an interior of a first pipe segment 103a in a first axial direction of the first pipe segment 103a. The method can further include passing a first portion 1513a of the first upstream quantity of fluid 1511 through an interior of the second pipe segment 103b in a second axial direction of the second pipe segment 103b.

[0086] The method may further include cooling the seal 203 by passing a second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow rate of fluid 1511 through an area defined between the fluid directing device 301 and the inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203. For example, the first gap 1507a may define a fluid inlet port of a fluid path extending from the fluid inlet port to the first through channel 409a of the fluid directing device 301. The second portion 1511b of the first upstream flow rate of fluid 1513 may pass through the fluid inlet port into the first through channel 409a. The second portion 1511b of the first upstream flow rate of fluid 1513 may then pass through the first axial end 407a of the fluid directing device into the first end portion 1105a of the first circumferential pocket 1105. As shown in FIG. 16, the second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow of fluid 1511 can then be redirected from the first end portion 1105a of the first circumferential pocket 1105 to enter the blind channel 405 from the first axial end 407a to the second axial end 407b, and heat is transferred from the seal 203 to the second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow of fluid 1511 by convection. The fluid then exits the blind channel 405 and enters the second end portion 1105b of the first circumferential pocket 1105. The second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow of fluid 1511 is then redirected back through the second through channel 409b and out of the second gap 1507b, which serves as a fluid outlet port. After passing through the fluid outlet port, the second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow fluid 1511 is merged with the first portion 1513a of the first upstream flow fluid 1511 to become a second downstream flow fluid 1515 passing through the inside of the second pipe segment 103b in the axial direction of the second pipe segment 103b.

[0087] Thus, the coupling device 201 can include a mechanical coupling that can quickly attach the end portions of the pipe segments. The structural integrity of the seal can be maintained in high temperature environments because a portion of the fluid moving through the pipe segment can be redirected to cool the seal that may otherwise deteriorate and break under excessively high temperature conditions. In some embodiments, the second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow of fluid 1511 can be driven through the region (e.g., blind channel 405) by a pressure drop. For example, a pressure drop can be provided between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port to drive the second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow of fluid 1511 through the region.

[0088] The circumferential guide flange 401 can help redirect a portion of the fluid moving through the pipe segment to achieve a desired convective fluid flow through the region between the seal 203 and the fluid directing device 301. In some embodiments, the region between the seal 203 and the fluid directing device 301 can include a blind channel 405 covered by the inner concave surface 1107 of the seal 203. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the tip of the circumferential guide flange 401 can extend into the footprint of the inner diameter of the pipe segment. Such extension of the circumferential guide flange 401 into the footprint of the inner diameter can help create a pressure drop between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port, which can drive the second portion 1513b of the first upstream flow of fluid 1511 to provide a convective flow of fluid through the blind channel 405 and help transfer heat from the seal 203 to the fluid flowing through the blind channel 405.

[0089] 17 illustrates another embodiment of the pipe apparatus 101 that may include a protective shroud 1701. In some embodiments, the pipe apparatus 101 may include only the protective shroud 1701. In further embodiments, the pipe apparatus 101 may include the protective shroud 1701 in combination with a coupling device 201 that attaches the first pipe segment 103a and the second pipe segment 103b together as shown in FIG.

[0090] The protective shroud 1701 can further help insulate the seal 203 to reduce heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the seal 203. For example, the protective shroud 1701 can comprise a housing 1705 having a first housing half 1703a defining a first cavity 1707a and a second housing half 1705b with a second cavity 1707b. The first housing half 1705a can comprise a first receiving area 1709a and a second receiving area 1709b that are axially aligned with the first cavity 1707a positioned therebetween. The second housing half 1705b can comprise a third receiving area 1709c and a fourth receiving area 1709d. In some embodiments, the receiving areas 1709a-1709d can have a shape that conforms to the outer circumferential surface 1301a, 1301b of the pipe segments 103a, 103b. For example, as shown, the receiving areas 1709a-1709d can each have a semicircular recess. Also, the first cavity 1707a of the first housing half 1705a and the second cavity 1707b of the second housing half 1705b can have a shape (e.g., a semicircular recess) that conforms to the outer circumferential surface 204 of the seal 203. The housing halves can be pivotally connected at a hinge 1711 such that the second housing half 1705b can pivot relative to the first housing half 1705a about a shroud axis 1713. The housings can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as steel or other metals. In further embodiments, the housing can be fabricated from an insulating material, such as a high temperature plastic or ceramic, that can withstand heat from the surrounding environment while containing insulating properties that help resist thermal conduction through the housing walls.

[0091] In some embodiments, the protective shroud 1701 can further include a heat shield 1715. The heat shield 1715 can include a first portion 1717a attached to the first housing half 1705a by standoff pegs 1719 such that the first portion 1717a surrounds an outer surface region of the first housing half 1705a while being spaced apart from the outer surface region of the first housing half 1705a. Similarly, the heat shield 1715 can include a second portion 1717b attached to the second housing half 1705b by standoff pegs 1719 such that the second portion 1717b surrounds an outer surface region of the second housing half 1705b while being spaced apart from the outer surface region of the second housing half 1705b. The first portion 1717a of the heat shield 715 can include axially aligned fifth and sixth receiving areas 1721a, 1721b, and the second portion 1717b of the heat shield 715 can include axially aligned seventh and eighth receiving areas 1721c, 1721d. In some embodiments, the receiving areas 1721a-1721d can include a shape that conforms to the outer circumferential surfaces 1301a, 1301b of the pipe segments 103a, 103b. For example, as shown, the receiving areas 1721a-1721d can each include a semicircular recess.

[0092] A method of mounting the coupling device 201 within the protective shroud 1701 is illustrated with respect to Figures 18-20. As shown in Figure 18, the coupling device 201 can be positioned within a first cavity 1707a of a first housing half 1705a. As shown, an inner surface of the first cavity 1707a can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 204 of the seal 203, an inner surface defining the first receiving area 1709a can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301a of the first pipe segment 103a, and an inner surface defining the second receiving area 1709b can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301b of the second pipe segment 103b. Furthermore, the inner surface defining the fifth receiving area 1721a can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301a of the first pipe segment 103a, and the inner surface defining the sixth receiving area 1721b can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301b of the second pipe segment 103b.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 18, the second housing half 1705b, together with the attached second portion 1717b of the heat shield 1715, can be pivoted about the shroud axis 1713 in a direction 1801 from an open orientation (see FIG. 18) to a closed orientation (see FIG. 19). The pivot bolt 1803 can then be pivoted to lock the first and second housing halves 1705a, 1705b in the closed orientation shown in FIGS. 19-20. Once locked, the access panel 1901 can be pivoted from the open orientation shown in FIG. 20 to the closed orientation shown in FIG. 1. Pivoting the access panel 1901 can pivot the pivot bolt 1803 to close the access opening used in locking the first and second housing halves 1705a, 1705b in the closed orientation. When the first and second housing halves 1705a, 1705b are locked in the closed orientation, the coupling device 201 can be positioned within the second cavity 1707b of the second housing half 1705b. An inner surface of the second cavity 1707b can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 204 of the seal 203, an inner surface defining the third receiving area 1709c can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301a of the first pipe segment 103a, and an inner surface defining the fourth receiving area 1709d can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301b of the second pipe segment 103b. Furthermore, the inner surface defining the seventh receiving area 1721c can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301a of the first pipe segment 103a, and the inner surface defining the eighth receiving area 1721d can closely conform to and contact the outer circumferential surface 1301b of the second pipe segment 103b.

[0094] 20, once the first and second housing halves 1705a, 1705b are locked in the closed orientation, the first cavity 1707a of the first housing half 1705a cooperates with the second cavity 1707b of the second housing half 1705b to form a second circumferential pocket, and the seal 203 is positioned within the second circumferential pocket. Additionally, once the first and second housing halves 1705a, 1705b are locked in the closed orientation, the first portion 1715a of the heat shield 1717 and the second portion 1717b of the heat shield cooperate to surround the housing 1703 and define a chamber 2001 between the heat shield 1715 and the housing 1703.

[0095] During operation, the heat shield can provide air trapped within the chamber 2001 between the heat shield 1703 and the housing 1703, which acts as an insulator to resist heat transfer from the heat shield to the housing 1715. Additionally, the housing 1703 can include an insulating material (e.g., ceramic) that can act to reduce heat transfer from the chamber to the seal 203. Additionally, the coupling device 201 can provide fluid cooling of the seal 203 during use. In accordance with features of the present disclosure, the pipe apparatus 101 can provide mechanical coupling of the pipe segments in high temperature environments. The mechanical coupling reduces the cost of assembling a network of pipe segments into a desired configuration. Additionally, the mechanical coupling facilitates maintenance by allowing removal and replacement of components of the coupling device 201, the first pipe segment 103a, or the second pipe segment 103b without destruction of the pipe segments that can occur with techniques that permanently connect the pipe segments together. Additionally, fluid cooling features of the coupling device 201 can facilitate heat transfer away from the seal to avoid damage, and a protective shroud 1701 can further reduce heat transfer from a high temperature environment (e.g., a building during a fire) to the seal 203.

Claims

1. 1. A pipe device comprising: a first pipe segment including a first end portion including a first outer periphery; a second pipe segment including a second end portion facing the first outer circumferential edge, the second pipe segment including a second outer circumferential edge spaced apart from the second outer circumferential edge to define a circumferential gap between the first outer circumferential edge and the second outer circumferential edge; a seal surrounding the circumferential gap, the seal comprising a first circumferential flange engaging the first end portion of the first pipe segment and a second circumferential flange engaging the second end portion of the second pipe segment; a first circumferential pocket defined between an interior surface of the seal, the first end portion, and the second end portion; a fluid directing device at least partially disposed within the first circumferential pocket, the fluid directing device comprising a plurality of segments radially arranged to surround the first end portion and the second end portion, the fluid directing device further comprising a first axial end disposed on the first end portion and a second axial end disposed on the second end portion, the fluid directing device at least partially defining a fluid path extending from an inlet port of the circumferential gap, through a channel region defined between the fluid directing device and the inner surface of the seal, to an outlet port of the circumferential gap; The piping device is configured to pass a volume of fluid from the interior of the first pipe segment through the fluid inlet port into the channel, through the channel to the fluid outlet port, and through the fluid outlet port to the second pipe segment.

2. 2. The piping arrangement of claim 1, wherein the fluid guide device comprises a circumferential guide flange extending at least partially within the circumferential gap between the first outer peripheral edge and the second outer peripheral edge, the axial width of the circumferential guide flange being less than the axial width of the circumferential gap.

3. The piping system of claim 2 , wherein the circumferential guide flange is spaced from the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery.

4. 10. The piping system of claim 1, further comprising a first tongue-and-groove connection that axially locks the fluid directing device to the first end portion and a second tongue-and-groove connection that axially locks the fluid directing device to the second end portion.

5. The piping system of claim 1 further comprising a third tongue-and-groove connection axially locking the seal to the fluid directing device.

6. A pipe apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the channel is defined between an outer convex surface of the fluid guide device and the inner surface of the seal.

7. A pipe device as described in claim 1, wherein the seal urges the multiple segments together into a contracted configuration.

8. A pipe apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the channel extends from a first axial end of the fluid guide device to a second axial end of the fluid guide device.

9. The piping system of claim 1 further comprising a housing comprising a second circumferential pocket, said seal being disposed within said second circumferential pocket.

10. 10. The piping system of claim 9, further comprising a heat shield at least partially surrounding the housing, the heat shield being spaced from the housing to define a chamber between the heat shield and the housing.

11. 10. A method of using the piping system of claim 1, comprising: passing an upstream quantity of fluid through an interior of the first pipe segment in a first axial direction of the first pipe segment; passing a first portion of the first upstream fluid through an interior of the second pipe segment in a second axial direction of the second pipe segment; cooling the seal by passing a second portion of the first upstream fluid through the fluid inlet port, then through the channel, and then through the fluid outlet port; and and passing the second portion of the first upstream fluid through the interior of the second pipe segment.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising driving the second portion of the first upstream fluid through the channel with a pressure drop.

13. 1. A pipe device comprising: a first pipe segment including a first end portion including a first outer periphery; a second pipe segment including a second end portion facing the first outer circumferential edge, the second pipe segment including a second outer circumferential edge spaced apart from the second outer circumferential edge to define a circumferential gap between the first outer circumferential edge and the second outer circumferential edge; a seal surrounding the circumferential gap, the seal comprising a first circumferential flange engaging the first end portion of the first pipe segment and a second circumferential flange engaging the second end portion of the second pipe segment; a first circumferential pocket defined between an interior surface of the seal, the first end portion, and the second end portion; a fluid directing device at least partially disposed within the first circumferential pocket, the fluid directing device comprising a circumferential guide flange extending at least partially within the circumferential gap between the first outer circumferential edge and the second outer circumferential edge, the axial width of the circumferential guide flange being smaller than the axial width of the circumferential gap, the circumferential guide flange being spaced apart from the first outer circumferential edge to define a fluid inlet port, and the circumferential guide flange being spaced apart from the second outer circumferential edge to define a fluid outlet port, the fluid directing device at least partially defining a fluid path extending from the fluid inlet port, through a channel defined between the fluid directing device and the inner surface of the seal, and from the channel to the fluid outlet port; The piping device is configured to pass a volume of fluid from the interior of a first pipe segment through the fluid inlet port into the channel, through the channel to the fluid outlet port, and through the fluid outlet port to the interior of the second pipe segment.

14. 14. A method of using the piping system of claim 13, comprising the steps of: passing an upstream quantity of fluid through an interior of the first pipe segment in a first axial direction of the first pipe segment; passing a first portion of the first upstream fluid through an interior of the second pipe segment in a second axial direction of the second pipe segment; passing a second portion of the first upstream fluid through the fluid inlet port, then through the channel to cool the seal, and then through the fluid outlet port; and and passing the second portion of the first upstream fluid through the interior of the second pipe segment.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising driving the second portion of the first upstream fluid through the channel with a pressure drop between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port.

16. A coupling device comprising: a seal surrounding a central axis of the coupling device, the seal comprising a first circumferential flange extending toward the central axis and a second circumferential flange extending toward the central axis; a first circumferential pocket at least partially defined by an interior surface of the seal, the first circumferential flange, and the second circumferential flange; a fluid directing device at least partially disposed within the first circumferential pocket, the fluid directing device comprising a plurality of segments radially arranged around the central axis, each segment of the plurality of segments comprising an arcuate wall with an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface, each segment at least partially defining a fluid pathway extending through a channel defined between the outer convex surface and the inner surface of the seal.

17. The coupling device of claim 16 , wherein the seal biases the plurality of segments together into a contracted configuration.

18. The coupling device of claim 16 , wherein the fluid directing device comprises a circumferential guide flange extending toward and surrounding the central axis.

19. The coupling device of claim 16 , further comprising a tongue and groove connection that axially locks the seal to the fluid directing device.

20. A coupling device as described in claim 16, wherein the channel extends from a first axial end of the fluid guide device to a second axial end of the fluid guide device.

21. 17. A method of assembling a piping system comprising the coupling device of claim 16, comprising the steps of: inserting a first outer peripheral edge of a first end portion of a first pipe segment into a first axial opening of the seal, wherein the first circumferential flange seals against an outer peripheral surface of the first end portion; axially locking the first end portion of the first pipe segment to the fluid directing device; inserting a second outer peripheral edge of a second end portion of a second pipe segment into a second axial opening of the seal, wherein the second circumferential flange seals against an outer peripheral surface of the second end portion; Axially locking the second end portion of the second pipe segment to the fluid guide device, wherein the first outer peripheral edge faces the second outer peripheral edge and a gap is maintained between the first outer peripheral edge and the second outer peripheral edge.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein a circumferential guide flange of the fluid directing device extends into the gap.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the circumferential guide flange is spaced from the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery.

24. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein axially locking the first end portion of the first pipe segment to the fluid guide device comprises engaging a tongue of one of the first end or the fluid guide device with a groove of the other of the first end portion or the fluid guide device.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein axially locking the second end portion of the first pipe segment to the fluid guide device comprises engaging a tongue of one of the second end portion or the fluid guide device with a groove of the other of the first end portion or the fluid guide device.

26. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein inserting the first outer peripheral edge of the first end portion of the first pipe segment into the first axial opening of the seal expands a first corresponding axial end of the plurality of segments of the fluid guide device against the bias of the seal.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein axially locking the first end portion to the fluid directing device comprises clamping the first corresponding axial ends of the plurality of segments of the fluid directing device.

28. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein inserting the second outer peripheral edge of the second end portion of the second pipe segment into the second axial opening of the seal expands corresponding second axial ends of the plurality of segments of the fluid guide device against the bias of the seal.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein axially locking the second end portions to the fluid directing device comprises clamping the corresponding second axial ends of the plurality of segments of the fluid directing device.

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