Jump menu

Global

GLOBAL

Country Selector

Secondary Navigation | back to top

:

Main content |  back to top

Research and Development

Female Scientist

For more than 85 years, Shell has been one of the leaders in bitumen and asphalt technology research. Its global bitumen manufacturing and marketing business, Shell Bitumen, operates Bitumen Solutions Centres in Europe, Asia and South America where its experts undertake cutting-edge research into bitumen and asphalt applications.

  • Innovation

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

    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.

  • Technical Support

    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.

  • Quality Standards

    Refinery

    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.