Abstract: A reusable flexible seal is made from a plurality of bonded layers of a fiber base impregnated with an elastomeric material. The flexible seal is sized and shaped to be compressed in a shaped groove created between two pipeline elements to be connected together. At least one layer of fabric may be disposed in a preferred embodiment on the surface of the flexible seal to help prevent extrusion of the elastomer of the flexible seal the joint between the connected pipeline elements during connection. A plastic or steel band may be disposed in the outward radial direction of the groove to improve the prevention of seepage or leakage.