Sealing segment

A sealing system for sealing between a stationary component against a rotating component, comprising:

• a stationary component;
• a sealing segment, retractable located in the stationary component so as form a flow region between the stationary component and the sealing segment, the sealing segment including:
• an inner arcuate surface, with an upstream end and a downstream end orthogonal to a curvature of the inner arcuate surface;
• and
• a plurality of sealing elements arranged in a plurality of sealing rows that are arranged between on the inner arcuate surface between the upstream end and the downstream end and extend in a direction of the curvature of the inner arcuate surface,
• a passage, extending through the sealing segment and connecting to the flow path, having a first opening in the inner arcuate surface between the plurality of rows of the sealing elements such that:
• at least one of the plurality of sealing rows is arranged between the first opening and the upstream end;
• and
• at least one of the plurality of sealing rows is arranged between the first opening and the downstream end,
• thereby forming a bypass flow path, which includes at least a portion of the flow region, extending from an upstream end of the sealing segment and through the passage, configured to form a fluid cushion that creates retracting force on the sealing segment towards the stationary components.