Bulk unloader follower seal

A pump follower configured to be implemented in a container storing a material, the pump follower comprising:

• a body configured to be inserted into the container, the body having a material contacting surface configured to contact the material in the container and a peripheral surface substantially perpendicular to the material contacting surface;
• a tool interface and/or a passage;
• a groove defined on the peripheral surface of the body;
• a sealing element disposed in the groove and configured to slidably contact an inner surface of the container;
• and
• a channel defined within the sealing element,
• wherein the sealing element is configured to be compressed when the pump follower is inserted into the container, such that the channel decreases in size;
• wherein the pump follower is configured to remove material from a container in conjunction with the tool interface and/or the passage and the tool interface and/or the passage are configured to provide a passage through which material can move;
• wherein the sealing element has a hemispherical first side configured to contact the container, and a flat second side configured to contact the groove;
• wherein the sealing element comprises a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape;
• wherein the channel in the sealing element is disposed closer to the flat second side of the sealing element than to the hemispherical first side;
• wherein the channel of the sealing element comprises a V-shaped cross-sectional shape;
• wherein the channel defines an opening on an outer surface of the sealing element, a floor opposite the opening, a first wall extending from the floor to the opening, and a second wall opposite the first wall extending from the floor to the opening;
• and
• wherein the first wall and second wall extend a same distance from the floor to the opening in a cross-section of the channel.