An optimized mechanical expander or fluid expansion device with a delayed opening timing is disclosed. In the optimized design, rotors in the expander alternatingly rotate sequentially through an intake position in which the transport volume is open to the housing inlet, a closed position in which the transport volume is closed to the housing outlet, and a discharge position in which the transport volume is open to the housing outlet. During rotation, a first opening forms between the housing and each rotor. After further rotation, a second opening is formed that is located between the first opening and a back end of the rotor. In one aspect, the mechanical expander has an opening profile including an initial opening phase in which the opening between the rotor and outlet forms at a lesser rate than during a subsequent secondary opening phase.

A screw rotor device includes a first rotor having a plurality of helical lobes about its periphery, a second rotor having a plurality of helical flutes about its periphery and a housing with a high pressure port and a low pressure port. The first and second rotors are rotatably mounted within the housing such that the lobes intermesh with the flutes for conveying, in use, a fluid between the high pressure port and the low pressure port. At least one of the rotors has a helical profile that changes along its length such that a gap is described between intermeshing lobes and flutes adjacent the high pressure port which is larger than a gap described between intermeshing lobes and flutes adjacent the low pressure port. The screw rotor device may be used for conveying a fluid.

A gear wheel for gear pumps/motors including a plurality of asymmetrical teeth, each tooth including a driving side with a convex shape and mating with a corresponding convex side of a counter-wheel and a discharge side defined, in most of its length, as a cavity of a convex profile. The discharge side is configured so that the radius passing through a tip of the teeth is substantially at least tangent to the discharge side, or intersects the discharge side.