Gland Seals are classified as Contact Seals and as contact free, Grooved Split Seals. Contact Seals are multi segmented seal rings used for rotating shafts or linear motion pistons. The sealing effect is obtained with springs that press the carbon segments to the sealed surface. Contact Seals continuously rub against a counterface material and as such are always subject to mechanical wear. Grooved Seals are designed as single part or multi-segment rings which require a precisely defined clearance to the sealed shaft.