Device having a sealing element for sealing a gap, method for operating such a device, measuring system, and metering system

An apparatus comprising:

• a shaft;
• a bearing sleeve surrounding at least one part of the shaft for rotatably supporting the shaft;
• a housing, in which at least one part of the bearing sleeve is arranged;
• and
• a sealing element, which seals a gap between a wall of the housing and the bearing sleeve and which has a front side and a back side,
• wherein the sealing element divides the gap gas-tight into a first partial space adjacent to the front side of the sealing element and a second partial space adjacent to the back side of the sealing element,
• wherein the sealing element has a flexible part, which is in contact with the bearing sleeve, and
• wherein the housing has a first barrier gas inlet for introducing barrier gas into the first partial space as well as a second barrier gas inlet for introducing barrier gas into the second partial space.