GB2592278A

GB2592278A - Hygienic seal

Info

Publication number: GB2592278A
Application number: GB2004188.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Narayanaswamy Kamesh; Chunuwe Felic; Gaffing Ian; Hebein Nicholas
Original assignee: John Crane UK Ltd
Current assignee: John Crane UK Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-18
Filing date: 2020-03-23
Publication date: 2021-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-23
Also published as: GB2592278B; GB202004188D0

Abstract

A seal 306 for sealing a gap between two structures 302, 304, the first structure 302 has a groove 310 for installing the seal 306, the seal 306 is formed of two portions 324, 326, each made of a different material, such as PTFE and the other an elastomer. When installed, the first portion 324 of the seal 306 sits outside the groove 310 and over the external wall 312 of the first structure 302, sealing the gap G0 defined between the sealing surfaces 322, 328. The second portion 326 of the seal 306 sits within the groove 310 of the first structure 302, to engage with and retain the first portion 324 of the seal 306. The first and the second portions 324, 326 may have various angled surfaces 340, 342, 344 to aid cleaning of the seal 306. The first portion 324 may have a sealing portion 332 and a seal engagement portion 334.

Description

HYGIENIC SEAL

BACKGROUND

[0001] Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of seals and, in particular, to the art of hygienic seals at a joint between two or more elements [0002] When two elements are joined together, a seal can be formed by the inclusion of an 0-ring. The 0-ring can be disposed in a groove formed in one of the elements. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an 0-ring 100 can be disposed in a groove 102 formed in a first seal element 104 to provide a seal between the first seal element 104 and a second seal element 106.

[0003] The groove 102 has a generally rectangular cross section with rounded corners and a product-facing exterior wall 108 that defines an opening 112. A product 110 (e.g., a fluid or other substance) may be sealed or otherwise prevented from passing beyond the 0-ring 100 (i.e., prevented from passing between the first and second seal elements 104, 106). However, the product-facing exterior wall 108 of the first seal element 104 extends to the second seal element 106. The opening 112 allows for the product 110 to enter into several crevices in the groove 102 which can make cleaning difficult. That is, although the 0-ring 100 may prevent the product HO from passing between the first and second seal elements 104, 106, the product 110 may till in voids around the 0-ring 100 that is seated within the groove 102.

[0004] Another approach, as shown in FIG. 2, is to increase the opening (opening 112 defined by the exterior wall 108) and make the wall half open. In this configuration, an 0-ring 200 is arranged within a groove 202 of a first seal element 204 to seal between the first seal element 204 and a second seal element 206 and prevent a product 210 from entering between the first seal element 204 and the second seal element 206. In this configuration, a product-facing exterior wall 208 of the first seal element 204 is half open in order to improve the cleaning around the sealing area. As such, gap between the exterior wall 208 and the second seal element 206 is greater than the configuration shown in FIG. 1. Even though the half open exterior wall 208 shown in FIG. 2 aids in improving the cleaning, changes in temperature or pressure can cause the 0-ring 200 to deform and allow the product 210 to enter into several crevices in the groove 202 which can make cleaning difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] Disclosed herein are approaches to providing a seal between two elements in situations with where one element includes a groove within a wall (herein, a groove). The seal is configured to prevent a fluid or other material (e.g., a product) from entering, injecting, or otherwise lodging or flowing between the two elements, such as in crevices, seams, facing surfaces, etc. between the two elements.

[0006] According to some embodiments, sealing assemblies are provided. The sealing assemblies include a first structure having a channel defined by a first wall, a channel base, and a second wall, wherein the first wall comprises a channel surface facing the second wall, a seal surface normal to the channel surface, and an exterior surface opposite the seal surface from the channel surface and a second structure connected to the first structure, the second structure defining a sealing surface, wherein the seal surface of the first structure faces the sealing surface and a gap is defined between the sealing surface and the seal surface of the first wall. A seal arranged within the channel of the first structure and configured between the first structure and the second structure to form a seal therebetween. The seal includes a first seal element and a second seal element, the first seal element being formed of a first material and the second seal element being formed of a second material different from the first material. The first seal element is arranged in the gap between the seal surface of the first wall and the sealing surface of the second structure, the first seal element sealing engaging with the sealing surface, and the second seal element at least partially fills the channel and contacts the first wall, the channel base, and the second wall.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the first seal element is formed from PTFE and the second seal element is formed from an elastomer.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the first seal element includes a first angled surface extending from the seal surface of the first wall toward the sealing surface of the second structure [0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the first seal element comprises a second angled surface extending from the sealing surface of the second structure to the second seal element.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the second seal element comprises an angled inner surface that faces the second structure.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that a portion of the first seal element extends into the channel along the channel wall.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the second seal element is configured to securely retain the first seal element to the first wall of the first structure.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include at least one additional seal, wherein the at least one additional seal comprises a respective first seal element and a respective second seal element.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the first wall is shorter than the second wall relative to the base.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the first structure is a carrier and the second structure is configured to form a primary seal with a rotating body.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the first seal element includes a sealing portion and a seal engagement portion.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the sealing portion is configured to sealing engage with the sealing surface of the second structure and the seal engagement portion is configured to engage with the second seal element [0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the sealing assemblies may include that the second seal element is shaped, sized, and contoured to match and fill the channel such that no voids or spaces are formed between the material of the second seal element and surfaces of the channel.

[0019] According to some embodiments, seals for installation within channels of a first structure and sealingly engaging with a second structure are provided. The seals a first seal element formed of a first material and a second seal element formed of a second material different from the first material. The first seal element is configured to fill a gap between the second structure and the second structure and the second seal element is configured to at least partially fill the channel of the first structure.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the seals may include that the first seal element is formed from PTFE and the second seal element is formed from an elastomer.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the seals may include that the first seal element includes a first angled surface extending from the seal surface of the first wall toward the sealing surface of the second structure [0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the seals may include that the first seal element comprises a second angled surface extending from the sealing surface of the second structure to the second seal element.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the seals may include that the second seal element comprises an angled inner surface that faces the second structure.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the seals may include that the first seal element includes a sealing portion and a seal engagement portion [0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the seals may include that the second seal element is shaped, sized, and contoured to match and fill the channel such that no voids or spaces are formed between the material of the second seal element and surfaces of the channel.

[0026] The foregoing features and elements may be executed or utilized in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of seal assembly in accordance with a prior configuration, [0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of seal assembly in accordance with an alternative prior configuration; [0030] FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of a seal assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0031] FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of a portion of the seal assembly of FIG. 3A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0032] FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of a seal of the seal assembly of FIG. 3A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0033] FIG 4A is a schematic illustration of a seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0034] FIG. 4B is an enlarged illustration of the seal of FIG. 4A; [0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a seal assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a seal assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCPRIPTION

[0037] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

[0038] Turning now to FIGS 3A-3C, schematic illustrations of a sealing assembly 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

The sealing assembly 300 includes a first structure 302, a second structure 304, and a seal 306 arranged between the first structure 302 and the second structure 304. In some embodiments, the first structure 302 may be a carrier to support a seal or other structures and the second structure 304 may be configured as a primary sealing body relative to a rotating component. The second structure 304 may form a primary seal 308 between the second structure 304 and a rotating part 310. In some such configurations, the first structure 302 may be substantially fixedly connected to the second structure 304 such that no relatively rotation occurs therebetween (although axial or translational movement may occur between the first structure 302 and the second structure 304).

[0039] The first structure 302 includes a channel 310 (shown in FIG. 3B). The channel 310 is defined by a first wall 312, a second wall 314, and a channel base 316. As shown, the first wall 312 has a shorter or lesser extension distance from the channel base 316 than the second wall 314. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first wall 312 has a first height Hi that is less than a second height H2 of the second wall 314, with the first and second heights Hi, H2 defined as distances from the channel base 316 to a maximum extent of the respective walls 312, 314. The walls 312, 314 thus define a half-open channel or groove in the first structure 302 (i.e., the channel 310). The first wall 312 has a channel surface 318 that faces the channel 310, an exterior surface 320 that is on an opposite side of the first wall 312 (and parallel with the channel surface 318), and a seal surface 322 that is normal to the channel surface 318 and the exterior surface 320 and extends therebetween at an end of the first wall 312.

[0040] The seal 306 is configured to fit within the channel 310 of the first structure 302 and form a sealing engagement with the second structure 304 to prevent fluid or other material from entering between the first structure 302 and the second structure 304. The seal 306 includes a first seal element 324 and a second seal element 326. The first seal element 324 of the seal 306 is configured to contact and extend between the seal surface 322 of the first wall 312 of the first structure 302 and a sealing surface 328 of the second structure 304. Thus, the first seal element 324 is configured to fill a gap Go between the first structure 302 and the second structure 304. The second seal element 326 is configured to support and secure the first seal element 324 within the channel 310 of the first structure 302. For example, the first seal element is arranged to fit freely into the second seal element 326 and then the combined/assembled seal 306 is inserted into the channel 310 as a unit.

[0041] The second seal element 326 is sized and shaped to fit within the channel 310. In some embodiments, the second seal element 326 is shaped to fit within the channel 310 such that no voids or spaces exist between a surface of the second seal element 326 and a surface of the channel 310. As shown in FIG. 3C, the second seal element 326 has a contoured surface 330 that is shaped to fit within and engage with the surface of the channel 310 (e.g., curved corners to match the curved corners of the channel 310). Accordingly, the second seal element 326 may provide for a flush engagement with the surface of the channel 310 to prevent material from lodging between the seal 306 and the surface of the channel 310. In some embodiments, the second seal element 326 may be configured to partially fill the channel 310, such that, at least, the channel base 316 and the curved corners of the channel base 316 that join with the channel surface 318 of the first wall 312 and the second wall 314.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first seal element 324 is formed of a first material and the second seal element 326 is formed of a second material that is different from the first material. In some embodiments, the first seal element 324 may be formed of a compliant material such as, for example, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM). Further, in some embodiments, the second seal element 326 may be formed of a stiffer material than the first seal element 326. For example, without limitation, the second seal element 326 may be formed of polyurethane or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It will be appreciated that various materials and compositions may be used. For example, the choice of seal material for the first seal element 324 may be dependent on the temperatures, pressures, process fluid, product composition, and chemicals the seal 306 it will encounter in service (e.g., cleaning in place and sterilization in place chemicals). For example, and without limitation, the first seal element 324 can be made from Nitrile (NBR), Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR), Silicone (VNIQ), Fluorocarbon (FKM), Perfluoroelastomer (FFKNI), or other appropriate compositions for a particular application, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

[0043] The first seal element 324, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3C, has a specific geometry to enable and form a complete seal between the first structure 302 and the second structure 304. That is, the first seal element 324 is configured to fit within and fill the gap Go between the first structure 302 and the second structure 304 (shown in FIG. 3A). As shown, the first seal element 324 includes a sealing portion 332 and a seal engagement portion 334. The sealing portion 332 is configured to fit within and fill the gap Go and the seal engagement portion 334 is configured to engage with the second seal element 326. As shown, the seal engagement portion 334 may be configured to extend along and contact the channel surface 318 of the first wall 312 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A and thus extend into the channel 310). The sealing portion 332 includes a first engagement surface 336, a second engagement surface 338, a first angled surface 340, and a second angled surface 342. The first engagement surface 336, when the seal 306 is installed between the first structure 302 and the second structure 304, is configured to contact and sealing engage with the seal surface 322 of the first wall 312 of the first structure 302. The second engagement surface 338, opposite the first engagement surface 336 relative to the sealing portion 332, is configured to contact and sealing engage with the sealing surface 328 of the second structure 304.

[0044] The first angled surface 340 of the sealing portion 332 extends from the first engagement surface 336 to the second engagement surface 338 such that the sealing portion 332 extends farther from the seal engagement portion 334 along the second engagement surface 338 than along the first engagement surface 336. The first angled surface 340 is configured to ensure that any fluids or particles of a product (see FIGS. 1-2) will not ingest or fill between the first and second engagement surfaces 336, 338 and the respective seal surface 322 of the first wall 312 of the first structure 302 and the sealing surface 328 of the second structure 304. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 3C, the seal engagement portion 334 of the first seal element 324 includes a second angled surface 342. The second angled surface 342 is opposite the first angled surface 342. In some embodiments, an angle of the first angled surface 340 may be different than an angle of the second angled surface 342 (with the angles relative to a line running along or parallel to the second engagement surface 338). In some embodiments, the angle of the second angled surface 342 may be shallower than the angle of the first angled surface 342 relative to a line running along or parallel to the second engagement surface 338. The second angled surface 342 extends from the second engagement surface 338 toward the second seal element 326. Under working conditions, a fluid pressure against the first angled surface 340 will force the second engagement surface 338 inwards, thus the increasing the pressure between the seal surface 322 of the first wall 312 and sealing surface 328 of the second structure 304, thus improving the sealing ability.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown, in some embodiments, the second seal element 326 may include an angled surface 344. The angled surface 344 of the second seal element 326 may be included to aid an efficient cleaning of the seal 306 from an atmospheric side (e.g., non-product side).

[0046] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4B, schematic illustrations of a seal 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The seal 400 may be similar to that shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C. That is, the seal 400 is configured to be arranged between a first structure and a second structure to provide a seal therebetween and prevent fluids or other material from entering between the two structures. FIG. 4A shows a partial full-circumference structure of the seal 400 and FIG. 4B is an enlarged detail illustration of the seal 400.

[0047] The seal 400 may be a full hoop or full annular structure that is configured to fit within an annular channel of another component (shown with partial break in the full hoop). The seal 400 includes a first seal element 402 and a second seal element 404. The first seal element 402 is formed of a material to provide a sealing engagement with a surface (e.g., the second structure shown in FIG. 3A). The second seal element 404 is arranged to fit within a channel and to support the first seal element 402.

[0048] Similar to that described above, the first seal element 402 includes a first engagement surface 406 that can sealing engage with a first structure and a second engagement surface 408 that can sealing engage with a second structure. As such, the first seal element 402 may provide for a seal (e.g., a fluid seal) between the first and second structures. The second seal element 404 includes a contoured surface 410 that is shaped to fit within and engage with a surface of a channel into which the seal 400 is installed. Also shown are first and second angled surfaces 412, 414 of the first seal element 402 and an angled surface 416 of the second seal element 404, similar to that shown and described above.

[0049] Turning now to FIG. 5, a schematic illustration of a seal assembly 500 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The seal assembly 500 is similar to that shown and described above, but includes three structures. Specifically, as shown, a first structure 502 is arranged with a second structure 504 radially inward therefrom and a third structure 506 radially inward from the second structure 504. A first seal 508 is arranged between the first structure 502 and the second structure 504 and a second seal 510 is arranged between the second structure 504 and the third structure 506.

[0050] Each of the first and second seals 508, 510 has a dual-element construction, similar to that shown and described above. In each seal 508, 510, a first seal element is configured to provide a sealing engagement between the respective structures (502 and 504, 504 and 506) Further, in each seal 508, 510, a second seal element is configured to fit within a channel of the respective structure (502, 504) and to retain and secure the first seal element within the seal assembly 500 [0051] Turning now to FIG. 6, a schematic illustration of a seal assembly 600 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The seal assembly 600 is similar to that shown and described above, but includes multiple structures with multiple related seals 602 installed therein. FIG. 6 is illustrative of the ability to use multiple seals 602 in accordance with embodiments described herein (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) at various locations and between different structures, components, or parts of a machine or other device.

[0052] Advantageously, the seals described herein can reduce or eliminate the impact of product (e.g., fluid, material, debris, liquids, etc.) that could potentially enter between two or more structures. The seals provide for a fluid seal between two surfaces. The seals are configured to be installed within a channel of one structure and sealingly engage with an adjacent structure. The seals have a two-part construction that allows for ease of installation and improved sealing capabilities. For example, the first seal element of the disclosed seals is formed of a first material that provides for a sealing engagement between two devices or surfaces thereof This seal prevents fluids or other material from passing from one side of the seal to another side of the seal. Further, the second seal element of the disclosure seals is formed from a different material and is shaped to fit within a channel of one of the devices. The second material may be a stiffer or harder material that can reinforce the first seal element and also fit into and fill the channel. By filling the channel, and having an angled first seal element, the seals of the present disclosure can reduce or eliminate dead ends (e.g., within the channel) where micro-organisms may grow, debris may accumulate to grow bacteria, or fluids may corrode of the material of parts of the system.

[0053] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the seals described herein are designed for providing sealing between two surfaces and are in contact with a product. That is, the two-part seals described herein may be used in systems and assemblies at locations where a typical 0-ring may come in contact with a product. Such products, for example, may be within the food industry and/or pharmaceutical industry. The seals described herein may require less cleaning and/or ease of cleaning as compared to prior 0-ring configurations. The first seal element is formed of a material that can contact and not impact a product (e.g., safe for food or pharmaceuticals) and may be relative easy to clean. Further, the second seal element is shaped and sized to fit within and fill a channel of a structure. The second seal element is shaped and sized and contoured to match and fill the channel such that no voids or spaces are formed between the material of the seal and the channel surfaces.

[0054] Advantageously, the seals described herein can provide a hygienic seal for use in various applications. As noted above, the seals described herein can provide sealing (e.g replace typical 0-ring seals) in food and pharmaceutical applications. 12 Other applications or industries may employ the seals described herein, particularly in applications where it is desirable to avoid material being lodged around the seal itself [0055] As used herein, the terms "about" and "substantially" are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, the terms may include a range of ± 8%, or 5%, or 2% of a given value or other percentage change as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art for the particular measurement and/or dimensions referred to herein.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises-and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof [0057] Sealing assemblies are described. In an embodiment the sealing assemblies include a first structure having a channel and a second structure connected to the first structure. A seal may be arranged within the channel of the first structure and configured between the first structure and the second structure to form a seal therebetween. The seal may comprise a first seal element and a second seal element, the first seal element may be formed of a first material and the second seal element may be formed of a second material different from the first material. The second seal element may at least partially fill the channel and may contact surfaces of the channel. While the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present 1.3 disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments [0058] Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims

Claims

What is claimed s: A sealing assembly comprising: a first structure having a channel defined by a first wall, a channel base, and a second wall, wherein the first wall comprises a channel surface facing the second wall, a seal surface normal to the channel surface, and an exterior surface opposite the seal surface from the channel surface; a second structure connected to the first structure, the second structure defining a sealing surface, wherein the seal surface of the first structure faces the sealing surface and a gap is defined between the sealing surface and the seal surface of the first wall; and a seal arranged within the channel of the first structure and configured between the first structure and the second structure to form a seal therebetween, wherein the seal comprises a first seal element and a second seal element, the first seal element being formed of a first material and the second seal element being formed of a second material different from the first material, wherein the first seal element is arranged in the gap between the seal surface of the first wall and the sealing surface of the second structure, the first seal element sealing engaging with the sealing surface, and wherein the second seal element at least partially fills the channel and contacts the first wall, the channel base, and the second wall.
2. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seal element is formed from PTFE and the second seal element is formed from an elastomer.
3. The sealing assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first seal element includes a first angled surface extending from the seal surface of the first wall toward the sealing surface of the second structure.
4. The sealing assembly of claim 3, wherein the first seal element comprises a second angled surface extending from the sealing surface of the second structure to the second seal element
5. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second seal element comprises an angled inner surface that faces the second structure.
6. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the first seal element extends into the channel along the channel wall.
7. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second seal element is configured to securely retain the first seal element to the first wall of the first structure.
8. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one additional seal, wherein the at least one additional seal comprises a respective first seal element and a respective second seal element.
9. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first wall is shorter than the second wall relative to the base.
10. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first structure is a carrier and the second structure is configured to form a primary seal with a rotating body.
11. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first seal element includes a sealing portion and a seal engagement portion.
12. The sealing assembly of claim 11, wherein the sealing portion is configured to sealing engage with the sealing surface of the second structure and the seal engagement portion is configured to engage with the second seal element.
13. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second seal element is shaped, sized, and contoured to match and fill the channel such that no voids or spaces are formed between the material of the second seal element and surfaces of the channel.
14. A seal for installation within a channel of a first structure and seal ngly engage with a second structure, the seal comprising: a first seal element formed of a first material; and a second seal element formed of a second material different from the first material, wherein the first seal element is configured to fill a gap between the second structure and the second structure, and wherein the second seal element is configured to at least partially fill the channel of the first structure.
15. The seal of claim 14, wherein the first seal element is formed from PTFE and the second seal element is formed from an elastomer.
16. The seal of claim 14 or 15, wherein the first seal element includes a first angled surface extending from the seal surface of the first wall toward the sealing surface of the second structure.
17. The seal of claim 16, wherein the first seal element comprises a second angled surface extending from the sealing surface of the second structure to the second seal element.
18 The seal of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the second seal element comprises an angled inner surface that faces the second structure.
19. The seal of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the first seal element includes a sealing portion and a seal engagement portion.
20. The seal of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the second seal element is shaped, sized, and contoured to match and fill the channel such that no voids or spaces are formed between the material of the second seal element and surfaces of the channel