Wherever asphalt is laid, it sticks to the machinery: to the screed of the paver, to the roller drums, in lorry beds and on hand tools. Hardened residues increase wear and tear, interfere with operation and cost time after every shift. Two things help: a release agent to minimise sticking, and a quick, gentle clean.
Which machines are affected
| Machine | Typical locations | That helps |
|---|---|---|
| Road paver | Screed, auger, tamper, material bucket | Apply a release agent before installation; clean at the end of the shift |
| Tandem and rubber-tyred rollers | Tyres, wheels, scrapers | Apply release agent via the spray system; remove any residue promptly |
| Lorries and refrigerated trailers | Load area, tailgate | Spray a small amount of release agent sparingly before loading |
| Shuttle buggies, wheel loaders, excavators | Bucket, conveyor belt, track drive | Cleaning up before the leftovers get cold |
| Asphalt mixing plants | Mixers, silos, flaps, conveyor belts | Regular cleaning whilst the machine is not in use |
| Hand tools | Shovel, rake, trowel | Apply a release agent before use, then clean afterwards |
Prevention: the right release agent
A release agent forms a thin film between the hot asphalt and the machine. The asphalt sticks less, the skips are emptied more easily, and cleaning at the end of the shift is quicker.
Diesel isn’t a good choice for this. Under the CLP Regulation, it is classified, amongst other things, as flammable, harmful if inhaled, a suspected carcinogen and toxic to aquatic organisms, and can easily leach into the soil and water bodies on construction sites. Added to this are occupational health and safety considerations: from 1 January 2027, the occupational exposure limit for vapours and aerosols from bitumen (1.5 mg/m³) will also apply to the laying of rolled asphalt. According to BG BAU, mineral oil-based release agents can significantly increase measured levels. Its industry-specific guidance therefore recommends using release agents free from mineral oil-based substances, applied sparingly. More on this: AGW bitumen from 2027: What asphalt contractors need to bear in mind regarding release agents.
Antistick ECO by Eco-Nova is based on plant-derived raw materials (rapeseed oil methyl ester):
- Not classified as hazardous according to the safety data sheet
- Not classified as a dangerous good under ADR
- Flash point above 150 °C
- for pavers, rollers, troughs, hand tools, asphalt mixers, as well as moulds and formwork
- in a 200-litre drum or a 1,000-litre IBC, test quantity 10 or 20 litres
We will work with you to determine which variant is best suited to your machinery, your spraying technology and your mixture.
Release agents for asphalt construction – Enquire about a quote or a sample quantity (10–20 litres).
Cleaning: Gently removing tarmac
Any residue that remains stuck despite the use of a release agent should be removed as soon as possible after use, before it cools completely and hardens. Conventional bitumen removers and makeshift workshop solutions are often based on diesel, white spirit or aromatic hydrocarbons. According to their safety data sheets, Eco-Nova’s bitumen removers are not classified as hazardous. For many construction machines, for example, Bituclean be suitable.
- Switch off the machine and leave it to cool down until the cleaning fluid does not evaporate straight away.
- Mechanically remove thick layers of asphalt.
- Spray on the bitumen remover and leave it to work, depending on the thickness of the layer.
- Remove any loosened residue using a brush, scraper or high-pressure washer.
- Rinse with water and discharge the wastewater via an oil separator.
During a consultation, we’ll work with you to determine which bitumen remover is best suited to your machinery and your specific requirements, usually with a free sample or a demonstration at your depot.
Switching to Antistick ECO
The difference is measurable: In the laboratory test conducted by TPA GmbH (IFA method, SMA 8 S, 150 °C), diesel resulted in a measured value of 543.5 mg/m³ – approximately five times that of the mixture without a release agent (104.0 mg/m³). With Antistick ECO, the values ranged between 105.9 and 141.1 mg/m³, which is 74 to 80 % lower than with diesel. More on this: Diesel as a release agent: What laboratory measurements show.
Anyone switching from a hydrocarbon-based release agent or from diesel should first use up any remaining stock and avoid mixing the products. The tank, pipes and nozzles of the spray system should then be flushed, for example with Bituclean Extra. A test batch is then used on the company’s own machinery and with the company’s own mix.
General tips for removing bitumen, asphalt and tar, including for uses other than road construction: Removing tar, asphalt and bitumen.
Always follow the instructions in the safety data sheet and wear the prescribed personal protective equipment. The safety data sheet is available on request to existing customers and to customers who have received a sample or attended a demonstration.