Research and Development

Shell Bitumen’s R&D team develop cutting-edge technological developments

Shell Bitumen’s strong track record in innovation has led to a number of cutting-edge technological developments, including:

• Technological breakthroughs such as Shell Floraphalte and Shell Bitufresh
• Van der Poel's Nomograph
• The Bitumen Test Data Chart
• The first Analytical Design method
• Development of many of the world’s analytical test methods
• The first Multigrade binder
• The WAM Foam process
• The Zero Shear Viscosity Concept

More recently, our research has been focused on meeting a number of topical challenges, such as:

• Reducing emissions and the risks associated with the high temperatures at which asphalt is used
• Developing market led solutions to improve the rural and urban environments
• Developing solutions to meet specific customer needs.

Throughout these projects Shell Bitumen remains committed to the highest levels of Product Stewardship to ensure that the research delivered meets the highest possible standards.

These centres are staffed by full time specialist Bitumen technicians, who lead Shell Bitumen’s research and development programmes and often provide direct support to our customers:
 

• Technical Service - problem solving, investigations, sample testing
• Product Development - developing and testing innovative products and solutions, carry out trials
• Product Stewardship - ongoing support and development for our products - technical and HSSE
• General Technical Assistance - general advice and help

For further information please contact your local sales/technical representative.

Shell Bitumen refineries have been through the ISO 9000 quality management system

Delivering asphalt and bitumen on specification every time requires disciplined and quality focused manufacturing, technical and supply operations.

Shell Bitumen refineries have been through the ISO 9000 quality management system.  The ISO 9000 family is primarily concerned with "quality management". This means that our Bitumen manufacturing and supply organisations continually aim to fulfill:

• the customer's quality requirements, and
• applicable regulatory requirements, while aiming to
• enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve continual improvement of its performance in pursuit of these objectives.