Importance

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Abstract

A fitting assembly for maintaining a leak free seal connection with an associated fluid conduit during and after exposure to extreme heat is provided. The fitting assembly includes a coupling body including an inside surface defining a bore for receiving the associated fluid conduit. The coupling body is made of a first corrosion resistant material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The at least one ring is made of a complementary second corrosion resistant material having a second larger coefficient of thermal expansion such that the second material will expand at a greater rate that the first material during heating to a first temperature generally exceeding annealing temperatures of both the first material and the second material. The second material contracts at a greater rate that the first material during subsequent cooling to a second temperature below the annealing temperatures thereby restoring compressive and tensile stresses in the associated fluid conduit and the fitting assembly for ensuring that the fitting assembly maintains a leak free seal connection with the associated fluid conduit.

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First Claim