Patent ID: 7513758

Claim:
A pipe seal for an abrasive materials pump, comprising: a core base ring formed of a first material selected for strength and fracture toughness, the base ring having a first side and an opposing second side and having at least one aperture extending from the first side to the second side; a plurality of tiles of a first size formed of a second material secured to the base core ring along a radial surface of the aperture; a plurality of tiles of a second size formed of a third material and secured to the first side of the base core ring at a first radial distance from the center of the aperture; a plurality of tiles of additional sizes formed of a fourth material and secured to the first side of the base core ring at a second radial distance from the center of the aperture; wherein the fourth material is harder than the first material; wherein the second material is harder than the fourth material; and wherein the third material is harder than the second material.