Split polymer labyrinth seal assembly

A labyrinth seal assembly for forming a seal between a shaft and a stationary equipment housing, comprising:

• a stationary element configured to be directly connected to the stationary equipment housing and having an annular shape defining a space through which the shaft extends, the stationary element being split into a first stationary element segment and a second stationary element segment, wherein each of the first and second stationary element segments have first and second non-flat end faces associated therewith,
• a rotary element disposed within the space between the stationary element and the shaft and coupled to the shaft so as to rotate therewith, the rotary element being split into a first rotary element segment and a second rotary element segment, wherein each of the first and second rotary element segments have first and second non-flat end faces associated therewith, wherein the rotary element has a radially outer surface having an integrally formed valve element extending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein the valve element is configured to selectively engage with the stationary element, and
• a clamping assembly disposed about the rotary element for directly contacting the outer surface of the rotary element and securing the rotary element to the shaft, wherein the clamping assembly has an axial and radial size that is smaller than the rotary element,
• wherein the valve element is disposed between the stationary element and the rotary element when assembled, and wherein the valve element is positioned relative to a portion of the stationary element to selectively form a seal, wherein the valve element is movable between a contacting position and a non-contacting position in response to rotation of the shaft, and wherein the valve element is adapted to contact the stationary element in the contacting position to form the seal when the shaft ceases rotation and the valve element is disposed in the non-contacting position when the shaft rotates.