Research centres

Westhollow's staff offer technology and consultancy services that aim to help clients improve the performance of their assets. They also provide technical services and R&D expertise to help develop new products and improve existing ones.

1,200 people, including scientists, engineers, technicians, administrators and sales and marketing personnel are employed at the Westhollow Technology Center (WTC).

The centre’s work includes catalyst-related activities in conjunction with CRI/Criterion Inc, in areas such as the development of high-activity desulphurisation catalysts to produce ultra-low-sulphur diesel.

WTC offers particular expertise in technology to mitigate the growth in energy demand and the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, working in areas such as carbon sequestration and abatement and fuel cell technology.

Special facilities at WTC include:-

• Microreactor, bench-scale and pilot plant units for oil and chemical process studies
• Comprehensive analytical laboratories and instrumentation
• Wave tank with flow loops for specialised testing of deepwater structures, risers and flowlines

ISO 9001-2000

WTC was completed in 1975 and is today one of the largest industrial technology installations in the world, covering more than one million square feet of laboratory and office space. Significant building additions have included:-

• 1979: Environmental building
• 1981: D-Building, housing process control activities
• 1998: Lubricants building

Currently, Shell is undertaking a major modernisation programme at WTC and merging operations with those of Shell Exploration and Production Technology at the Bellaire Technology Center. The modernised centre will enable Shell to combine its up- and downstream technology groups to create unique synergies in the search for technologies to meet future energy demands.