Coupled pipe assembly having a tapered interior sleeve

A coupled pipe assembly comprising, a pair of opposed, axially positioned pipes each having opposed beveled ends spaced apart to form a separated area therebetween, a corrosion-resistant lining on interior surfaces of said pipes, a sleeve having an internal corrosion-resistant lining and a uniform, continuous diameter portion along a length thereof inserted axially within said pipes between said opposed beveled ends along a uniform continuous diameter portion of said pipes, said sleeve including each end thereof having an internally tapered cross-section extending to and forming a rounded end edge portion, a pair of O-ring seals each circumferentially mounted on said sleeve a distance from each end thereof and in sealing engagement with said interior surfaces of said pipes, a circumferential relieved area in an interior surface of said sleeve between said O-ring seals, a layer of heat-deflecting material provided within said relieved area and having an outer surface terminating short of said exterior surface of said sleeve, a plurality of retainers for retaining said heat-deflecting material within said relieved area of said sleeve, said retainers being connected to opposed edge surfaces of said relieved area in spaced-apart relation and each of said retainers having a lug radially extending into said separated area between said opposed, beveled pipe ends and in contact therewith, a continuous weld deposit produced in said separated area and bonded to each said lug and to the opposed beveled pipe ends to form a welded joint between said opposed ends of said pipes and a sealant provided between said exterior surface of said sleeve and said interior surfaces of said pipes.