Impact

Anticipating problems, optimising design

A thorough analysis of fluids and thermodynamic behaviour at the start of the design process is crucial. By understanding how heat will flow and how fluids and gases will interact with the proposed system, the time and cost of iteration and testing can be greatly reduced.

We use our expertise to ensure appropriate device specifications and optimise heat transfer in relation to critical components – an increasingly complex challenge as consumer products and batteries become ever smaller.

Medical technology

Our expertise in fluids and thermodynamics empowers our medical technology clients to overcome complex challenges, including:

- Thermal problems of amplifying DNA during PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

- Blood separation to identify CTCs (circulating tumour cells) during cancer diagnosis and treatment

- Liquid biopsy for clinical diagnostics

- Extracting gas out of a liquid (e.g. extracting air out of a drug prior to injection)

- Aerosol science, including liquid nebulisers, sprays and inhalers

Microencapsulation

By taking a fresh look at traditional bulk manufacturing methods, we found a way of producing microcapsules continuously with real-time control of the process.

This new technique for creating microcapsules on demand is more efficient and cost-effective, eliminating the need to produce a full batch. This provides huge flexibility and personalisation opportunities for manufacturers, as well as the promise of increased process control, yield and agility.

Experience

Cutting-edge pedigree

Few technology projects we encounter are free of fluid or thermodynamic considerations. Consequently, our expertise dates back almost as far as Cambridge Consultants itself. One of the earliest examples of our success in this field is inkjet printing, from which we created numerous spin-out companies in the 1980s, including Domino and Xaar.

As computing power has increased, our ability to quickly carry out studies using advanced computer-aided engineering (CAE) has continually improved so that, today, we are able to combine our deep scientific understanding and experience in the field with cutting-edge technology and facilities.

Broad, impartial expertise

Our multidisciplinary teams bring experience in nanofluidics, microfluidics and multiphase fluidics, with particular strengths in aerosol generation at a range of temperatures. We have also made significant investments in DNA liquid aerosols and nebulisers.

As an agnostic technology partner, we provide our clients with an informed yet impartial view of all available technologies and applications.

Interested in joining us? 

Tech, tools & facilities

Droplet

ANSYS tools

We’re experts in applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation tools, including CFX and Fluent, to conduct finite element analysis (FEA).

Microfluidics lab

Microfluidics lab

Our microfluidics lab is equipped to rapidly prototype Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices in a clean environment. We optically inspect functioning test cartridges with state-of-the-art microscopy, and measure particle size distributions with a Spraytec laser diffraction system.

Case studies

Chiesi next-generation inhaler

We helped Chiesi Farmaceutici create a novel, next-generation dry powder inhaler (DPI) to compete with the market leaders throughout Europe.

Vinfusion wine blending system

Vinfusion is a personalised wine blending system that allows the user to design their perfect wine. Vinfusion also makes wine recommendations based on the user’s tastes while collecting valuable market intelligence for the vendor. 

Pietro Fiorentini subsea sensor

Developing a high-performance, zero-maintenance subsea water cut sensor

Best in class: molecular diagnostics

The extremely fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device we developed has sped up the diagnosis of patients and helped our client maintain its leading position in the molecular diagnostics market. 

News & insights

Press release

Building a life-saving ventilator at lightning speed

19th May 2020

Cambridge Consultants today unveils Veloci-Vent, a sophisticated emergency ventilator designed and built at the request of the UK Government for use in the treatment of COVID-19.

covid ventilator summary
Press release

Cambridge companies unite to meet the COVID-19 ventilator challenge

31st Mar 2020

Leading medical device development companies have been asked by the UK Government to develop and manufacture ventilators at massive speed.

Bioprocessing engineering - digital twins in cultured protein scale up
Opinion

How digital twins can help confront the challenges of scaling up cultured protein

9th Mar 2023

In the world of bioprocessing engineering, companies developing cultured meat and other cultured ingredients face both technical and financial challenges at each step up in scale. Here, Steve Thomas and James Westley explain how sophisticated predictive models – digital twins – that couple biology, heat transfer, mass transfer and fluid dynamics can help… 

  • AI & Analytics
  • Bioinnovation
  • Digital service innovation
  • Fluids & thermodynamics
  • Synthetic biology
Opinion

Our core technology is at the heart of the world’s first FDA-approved fully at-home COVID-19 test

22nd Jan 2021

The rapid, at home COVID-19 antigen test from digital diagnostics company Ellume features core technology from Cambridge Consultants. Read how this FDA approved test is set to be a game-changer in the global pandemic.

  • Bioinnovation
  • Digital health
  • Fluids & thermodynamics
  • Sensing

Events

Respiratory Drug Delivery - RDD 2023
Speaker

RDD Europe 2023 - Respiratory Drug Delivery

2nd May 2023 - 5th May 2023
Antipolis Palais des Congrès, Antibes, France

RDD Europe 2023: The international conference concerning all aspects of pulmonary and nasal drug delivery.