A conical screw compressor or pump comprising: an inner element configured to rotate around a first axis; and an outer element configured to rotate around a second axis; wherein an outer surface of the inner element and an inner surface of the outer element comprise cooperating grooves and teeth that intermesh on rotation; the first axis and the second axis are each stationary and the first axis is inclined relative to the second axis; and the inner element and the outer element are configured to be, in operation, synchronously rotated, thereby to reduce or eliminate force exerted by the inner element on the outer element or vice versa.

Improved solids handling in rotary positive displacement machines, where the machines are based on trochoidal geometry, can be achieved through the use of solids-handling features on the surface of the rotor and/or stator and/or by the use of modified seals mounted on the rotor or stator. In at least some embodiments the rotary machines comprise a helical rotor that undergoes planetary motion relative to a helical stator.

A rotor for a mud motor includes a core having a first outer shape, and a shell positioned around the core, the shell having a second outer shape that is different from the first outer shape, the second outer shape defining one or more lobes and one or more cavities that are configured to engage a bore of a stator during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. A thickness of the shell varies as proceeding around the core, from a non-zero minimum thickness to a maximum thickness.

An eccentric screw pump comprising an outer part (2) and an inner part (3) therein, one of the parts (2, 3) being driven rotatably and the other part (2, 3) being able to move eccentrically relative to the other part (3, 2). The screwthreads (5a, 5b) of the outer part (2) extend angularly over less than an entire helix along the axial length (L) of the part, so that during operation pumping chambers that are open to both ends are created, through which sudden pressure relief takes place.

Rotary positive displacement machines can include a rotor having a teardrop-shaped profile that undergoes planetary motion relative to a stator having an elliptical or near-elliptical profile. In some embodiments, these rotary positive displacement machines can be used for a variety of applications including as positive displacement pumps. In some embodiments the rotor and stator are helical. In some embodiments the rotor comprises a dynamic seal. Aspects of the machine geometry can be selected to provide operational and/or durability benefits.

A rotor stator pump includes a rotating helical component and a static helical component. An electric motor is connected to the rotating helical component to drive rotation of the rotating helical component. The rotating helical component and the static helical component are disposed radially inward of the motor rotor of the electric motor.

A rotor stator pump includes a rotating helical component and a static helical component. An electric motor is connected to the rotating helical component to drive rotation of the rotating helical component. The rotating helical component and the static helical component are disposed radially inward of the motor rotor of the electric motor.

Rotary positive displacement machines based on trochoidal geometry and including a helical rotor that undergoes planetary motion relative to a helical stator can be designed and configured so that the axial load or rotor pressure force is positive, negative, or neutral. In some embodiments, a change in axial load, caused by a change in differential pressure across the machine, can be used to trigger a change in a mechanical configuration of the machine.

Rotary positive displacement machines can include a rotor having a teardrop-shaped profile that undergoes planetary motion relative to a stator having an elliptical or near-elliptical profile. In some embodiments, these rotary positive displacement machines can be used for a variety of applications including as positive displacement pumps. In some embodiments the rotor and stator are helical. In some embodiments the rotor comprises a dynamic seal. Aspects of the machine geometry can be selected to provide operational and/or durability benefits.

A rotor stator pump includes a rotating helical component and a static helical component. An electric motor is connected to the rotating helical component to drive rotation of the rotating helical component. The rotating helical component and the static helical component are disposed radially inward of the motor rotor of the electric motor.