A seal arrangement for use in a reciprocating piston compressor includes first and second seal rings (44,46) engaged along respective side surfaces, and first and second cover rings (40,42) disposed around the first and second seal rings (44,46) such that the outside diameters (OD5,OD6) of the first and second seal rings (44,46) engage the inside diameters (ID3,ID4) of the first and second cover rings (40,42), respectively. A support ring (36) is engaged with the first seal ring (44) and the first cover ring (40). A backup ring (38) is engaged with the second seal ring (46) and the second cover ring (42). In some embodiments, the first seal ring (44) has a width (W5) that is smaller than a width (W6) of the second seal ring (46). In other embodiments the second seal ring (146) has a circumferential groove (149) formed on an inside surface thereof, the groove (149) disposed directly adjacent the first seal ring (144). In further embodiments, the seal rings (44,46) are formed of PEEK with a nano-material additive.