Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly having a deep groove pattern formed in the face of the rotating seal ring, which groove pattern includes two sets of straight angled deep grooves, the sets being angled in opposite rotational directions to provide pumping of barrier gas into the grooves irrespective of the direction of rotation. The groove pattern also includes a deep annular groove formed in the seal face and communicating with radially inner ends of the angled grooves to facilitate flow of barrier gas into and through the grooves to improve cooling of the seal faces and minimization of contact pressure between the seal faces.