
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

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
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.
We can help you
achieve the seemingly impossible
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

Building a life-saving ventilator at lightning speed
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.

Cambridge companies unite to meet the COVID-19 ventilator challenge
Leading medical device development companies have been asked by the UK Government to develop and manufacture ventilators at massive speed.

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

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