An apparatus for conveying fluids is provided which includes a plurality of segments, such as preferably ceramic segments, including a first segment and a last segment and an inner lining. Each of the plurality of segments may have a central opening, a periphery surrounding the central opening, a substantially concave top surface surrounding the central opening, and a substantially convex bottom surface surrounding the central opening. The plurality of segments may be configured so that the substantially convex bottom surface of each segment of the plurality of segments, except for the last segment, sits on the substantially concave top surface of an adjacent segment of the plurality of segments. The plurality of segments are configured so that fluids can pass through the central openings of the plurality of segments. The inner lining surrounds the periphery of each of the plurality of segments.