Seal for use between two mobile parts of a hydraulic machine

A method of sealing a gap between first and second parts of a hydraulic machine, the method comprising:

• arranging at least one sealing element adjacent the first and second parts, wherein a first hydrostatic bearing is formed between a first surface of the at least one sealing element and a surface of the first part and a second hydrostatic bearing is formed between a second surface of the at least one sealing element and a surface of the second part;
• supplying a hydraulic medium to at least the first hydrostatic bearing;
• and
• switching on the hydraulic machine,
• wherein the supplying increases a distance between the first surface the surface of the first part, and
• wherein the supplying occurs before the switching on.

A method of sealing a gap between first and second parts of a hydraulic machine, the method comprising:

• arranging at least one sealing element adjacent the first and second parts, wherein a first hydrostatic bearing is formed between a first surface of the at least one sealing element and a surface of the first part and a second hydrostatic bearing is formed between a second surface of the at least one sealing element and a surface of the second part;
• supplying a substantially constant flow of hydraulic medium to at least the first hydrostatic bearing;
• switching on the hydraulic machine;
• reducing, in a controlled manner, a flow of the hydraulic medium to at least the first hydrostatic bearing,
• wherein the supplying increases a distance between the first surface the surface of the first part, and
• wherein the switching on occurs after the supplying and before the reducing.

An arrangement for sealing a gap between first and second parts of a hydraulic machine, wherein the first and second parts move with respect to each other, the arrangement comprising:

• at least one sealing ring mounted with respect to the first and second moving parts;
• a first hydrostatic bearing being formed between a first surface of the at least one sealing ring and a surface of the first part;
• a second hydrostatic bearing being formed between a second surface of the at least one sealing element and a surface of the second part;
• first and second spaced apart grooves arranged on the first surface;
• the first groove comprising a blind groove;
• and
• at least one supply line structured and arranged to supply a hydraulic bearing medium to the first groove,
• wherein the hydraulic bearing medium is fed via the at least one supply line to the groove, and thereafter, the hydraulic bearing medium is fed via hydraulic resistance from the first groove to the second groove.