The K-CBS separation seal consists of segmented carbon rings that act as a wedge between the stationary housing and a hard-coated rotating shaft surface. The seals are buffered with gas at a pressure slightly higher than that of the cavities being separated. The seal rings are preloaded by a combination of radial garter springs and axial compression springs. Contact forces are minimized by pressure dams in both the side face and bore of each ring, which in turn minimizes wear and allows the seal rings to freely follow the movement of the shaft. The rings are designed with an initial overlapping clearance between segment ends. As the bore of the seals wear, the clearance decreases until the segment ends butt together. At this point, the ring is archbound and continues to function as a clearance seal, providing the same reliable performance.