High-Performance Dry Ice Blasting Machines for Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar Removal

Industrial Cleaning Solutions for Heavy Hydrocarbon Buildup on Paving, Roofing, and Processing Equipment

Remove Asphalt, Tar, and Bitumen Buildup Faster and Safer with Cold Jet Dry Ice Blasting

Cold Jet’s dry ice cleaning machines deliver superior cleaning results for paving contractors, roofing manufacturers, bitumen processors, and equipment service providers. By replacing labor-intensive manual scraping, hazardous chemicals, and problematic pressure washing with a non-abrasive, completely dry solution, businesses achieve the following results with dry ice cleaning:

  • 80-90% Efficiency Gains: Cold Jet dry ice cleaning machines dramatically reduce cleaning cycles. Equipment that takes a full day to clean manually is completed in 1-2 hours with dry ice blasting.
  • Eliminate Chemical Costs and Hazards: Remove recurring chemical expenses (often averaging $675+ per cleaning) while eliminating OSHA risks, such as worker exposure to toxic solvents and fumes.
  • Zero Secondary Waste Stream: Dry ice sublimates on contact, leaving no water or cleaning media behind. This eliminates the need for wastewater reclamation, environmental permits, and contaminated media disposal, while greatly reducing the risk of contaminating soil and groundwater.
  • Non-Destructive Cleaning: Dry ice cleaning is safe for sensitive components including hydraulic lines, electrical wiring, and precision steel bearings.
  • Clean In-Place Without Disassembly: Eliminate downtime by cleaning assembled paving and production equipment without disassembly, including tack trucks, material transfer vehicles (MTVs), and pavers.
  • Eliminate Fire and Safety Risks: Dry ice blasting is a non-flammable alternative to “torch and scrape” and chemical solvent methods, drastically improving job site safety ratings.

Ready to transform your asphalt and bitumen removal processes? Contact us today to learn how Cold Jet dry ice blasting machines can reduce labor costs, eliminate chemicals, and keep your equipment performing at its best.

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What are the Benefits of Dry Ice Blasting for Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar Removal?

Dry ice blasting delivers significant time savings while eliminating chemical costs, secondary waste, and equipment damage

Paving contractors, roofing manufacturers, and bitumen processors struggle with hydrocarbon buildup that compromises equipment performance and product quality. Current cleaning approaches present serious drawbacks: hand scraping and chiseling require a full day or more per vehicle and deliver inconsistent results. Chemical solvents cost hundreds of dollars per cleaning session and expose workers to hazardous fumes. Torches and heat guns create fire risks and can damage components. Pressure washing generates contaminated wastewater requiring disposal and fails to remove hardened deposits.

Cold Jet dry ice blasting addresses these challenges and provides the following benefits:

 

  • Significant Time Reduction

    Cold Jet dry ice blasting consistently reduces asphalt removal and bitumen cleaning time by 80-90% compared to manual methods. Paving equipment that takes one person a full day to clean with chemicals and scrapers can be cleaned in 1-2 hours with dry ice blasting. Cleaning bitumen from vehicles that previously took 2-3 days can be completed in 5-7 hours. Tank liner cleaning drops from 3-5 days to 2 days. This time savings translates directly to increased equipment availability and reduced labor costs for tank cleaning, truck cleaning, and paver maintenance.

  • Eliminates Chemical Costs and Hazards

    Many businesses spend hundreds of dollars on chemical solvents per bitumen cleaning or asphalt removal project. Dry ice blasting eliminates these recurring chemical costs entirely while removing the risk of worker exposure to toxic fumes and skin contact hazards.

  • No Secondary Waste or Wastewater

    Dry ice sublimates into CO2 gas upon impact, leaving no cleaning media or water behind. The only residue is the removed asphalt or bitumen, which remains uncontaminated and can be disposed of easily or even recycled. This eliminates the wastewater disposal challenges associated with hot steam pressure washing and the environmental concerns associated with chemical runoff.

  • Non-Abrasive and Safe for All Substrates

    Unlike wire brushing, bead blasting, or manual scraping, Cold Jet dry ice cleaning will not damage underlying surfaces. The process is non-abrasive, allowing operators to safely clean steel frames, aluminum tanks, plastic components, rubber hoses, electrical wiring, wiring harnesses, and hydraulic systems in a single session. This eliminates the selective cleaning required with hot steam pressure washers and chemical applications, making dry ice blasting particularly valuable for engine compartments and production machinery where multiple material types exist in close proximity.

  • Clean Without Disassembly

    Cold Jet dry ice blasting enables equipment to be cleaned in-place without disassembly, dramatically reducing downtime and allowing assets to return to service immediately after cleaning. This is critical during paving season when equipment downtime directly impacts project timelines and revenue. Quickly removing asphalt buildup allows mechanics to access equipment components more easily, ensuring that repairs are expedited.

  • Removes Buildup from Complex Geometries

    Asphalt accumulates in chains, sprockets, auger assemblies, conveyor systems, and other hard-to-reach areas where scraping is impractical. Dry ice reaches these areas effectively, removing buildup from mass flow hoppers, windrow heads, remix paddles, and other intricate components that trap material.

What Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar Removal Applications Benefit from Dry Ice Cleaning?

 

Dry ice blasting effectively removes asphalt, tar, bitumen, tack compounds, and related hydrocarbon buildup across paving operations, roofing manufacturing, asphalt and bitumen production, and equipment rental businesses. The following applications benefit from dry ice cleaning:

 

  • Paving equipment and trucks

  • Asphalt and tack spray trucks

  • Roofing and shingle production machinery

  • Asphalt tank and tank liner systems

  • Rental equipment and fleet vehicles

  • Bitumen processing equipment

Dry Ice Blasting Removes Heavy Hydrocarbon Buildup Without Damaging Equipment

 

Dry ice blasting is a non-abrasive solution that removes stubborn asphalt, tar, and bitumen deposits while preserving equipment integrity and eliminating safety hazards.

 

  • Paving and Asphalt Equipment

    On MTVs, tack trucks, pavers, and compactors, asphalt accumulates on truck frames, spray nozzles, and spray bars throughout the paving season. This accumulation reduces equipment performance and shortens asset life. Cold Jet dry ice blasting removes this buildup quickly—often in 1-2 hours versus a full day of manual scraping—allowing contractors to maintain their fleets between projects. Dry ice blasting cleans steel, aluminum, rubber hoses, and electrical components simultaneously without damage, eliminating clogged nozzles and mechanical issues that slow operations.

  • Asphalt and Bitumen Processing Equipment

    In batch plants and drum plants, conveyors, storage bins, and tank systems develop heavy hydrocarbon deposits that impact production efficiency. Dry ice blasting reduces cleaning time dramatically—in some cases from 2-3 days to just 5-7 hours. Tank liners and tank surfaces can be cleaned without the wastewater disposal challenges of pressure washing.

  • Roofing and Shingle Production Machinery

    Roofing manufacturers contend with asphalt and bitumen buildup on metal gears, discs, production line surfaces, and fiberglass-contaminated equipment. Dry ice blasting eliminates the secondary waste created by pressure washing and removes the need for hazardous chemical solvents and torches. With dry ice cleaning, production equipment can be cleaned in-place without extended downtime. The non-conductive process safely cleans electrical components and sensitive controls that other methods cannot touch.

  • Dry ice blasting cleaning spray bar on asphalt distributor truck

  • Dry ice blasting cleaning tanks at asphalt production plant

  • Shingle manufacturer cleans asphalt from facility equipment with dry ice blasting

  • Removing bitumen from back of a transport truck with dry ice cleaning

  • Removing asphalt buildup from shingle production equipment with dry ice cleaning

  • Dry ice blasting removing asphalt from production equipment

  • Material transfer vehicles (MTVs)

  • Asphalt pavers

  • Compactors/rollers

  • Stabilizers/reclaimers

  • Asphalt trucks

  • Tack trucks/spray trucks

  • Conveyors

  • Auger assemblies

  • Remix systems

  • Paddles

  • Mass flow hoppers

  • Windrow heads

  • Chains, sprockets, liners, & bearings

  • Tank liners

  • Interior and exterior tank surfaces

Dry Ice Cleaning Removes Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar Across Multiple Industries

 

Cold Jet dry ice cleaning machines serve paving contractors, roofing manufacturers, bitumen processors, and equipment service providers who need reliable asphalt and tar removal in the following industries:

 

What Do You Need for Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar Removal with Dry Ice Blasting?

Asphalt, bitumen, and tar removal with dry ice blasting requires the following essential components:

 

Cold Jet dry ice blasting setup with dry ice blaster, ice tote, and air compressor with air dryer

  • Dry Ice Blasting Machine

    Asphalt, tar, and bitumen removal requires a dry ice blaster capable of aggressive, sustained cleaning power. Cold Jet dry ice cleaning machines deliver the performance needed to break through heavy hydrocarbon buildup while offering the versatility to adjust settings for different buildup levels and substrate types. All systems include blast and air hoses, applicators, and nozzles.

  • Compressed Air

    Compressed air can be supplied from your facility’s existing filtered air system or from a portable compressor for field operations.

  • Dry Ice Supply

    Cold Jet can help you identify a dry ice supplier and recommend quantities based on your cleaning volume. Many paving and roofing operations establish delivery schedules aligned with their seasonal maintenance patterns.

  • Operator and Machine Training

    To ensure your team can effectively and safely use your dry ice cleaning equipment for asphalt and bitumen removal, proper training is essential. Cold Jet provides a comprehensive training course that equips operators with the necessary techniques and safety guidelines for optimal cleaning across different equipment types and contamination levels.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

    Operators need appropriate safety gear including insulated gloves for dry ice handling, hearing protection, and eye protection.

What Is the Best Dry Ice Blasting Machine for Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar Removal?

 

Cold Jet offers a comprehensive range of dry ice blasting machines for asphalt, tar, and bitumen removal. Our machines deliver the sustained performance required for heavy hydrocarbon cleaning while remaining easy to operate in field and shop environments.

  • Aero2 PCS ULTRA

    The Aero2 PCS ULTRA provides maximum versatility for asphalt removal and bitumen cleaning operations that encounter varying contamination levels. The patented Particle Control System allows operators to adjust blast intensity from gentle cleaning of electrical components to aggressive removal of heavy bitumen buildup. The PCS ULTRA is proven effective across paving equipment, roofing production lines, and tank cleaning applications.

    Aero2 PCS® ULTRA

  • Aero2 PLT® ULTRA

    The Aero2 PLT ULTRA delivers high-power performance for operations requiring sustained cleaning of large equipment. Field service contractors and equipment rental companies rely on the PLT ULTRA for fast turnaround on paving trucks and heavy machinery. The system's efficiency reduces dry ice consumption while maintaining cleaning speed.

    Aero2 PLT® ULTRA

  • Aero 40FP

    The Aero 40FP is a proven performer for asphalt removal and bitumen cleaning applications requiring portability and reliability. Roofing manufacturers, paving contractors, and tank cleaning operations use the Aero 40FP for consistent results on metal frames, gears, production line surfaces, and aluminum tank liners.

    Aero® 40FP

Why Choose Cold Jet Dry Ice Blasting for Asphalt and Bitumen Removal?

 

 

Cold Jet dry ice blasting machine portfolio

 

 

If you’re upgrading from manual scraping, chemical cleaning, or pressure washing for asphalt removal or bitumen cleaning, investing in a Cold Jet dry ice blaster delivers measurable returns through time savings, eliminated chemical costs, and extended equipment life. Consider both the ROI and operational benefits when evaluating this investment.

 

  • Proven Performance on Heavy Hydrocarbon Buildup

    Decades of field-tested results across paving operations, roofing manufacturers, and bitumen processors demonstrate Cold Jet’s ability to remove the most stubborn asphalt and tar accumulations.

  • Trusted Partner Across Industries

    Cold Jet has more than 24,000 installed systems globally serving operations that encounter asphalt, tar, and bitumen contamination—from single-truck paving contractors to multi-location roofing manufacturers and international bitumen and asphalt processors.

  • Superior Reliability for Demanding Environments

    Cold Jet equipment is engineered for the harsh conditions of paving yards, manufacturing plants, and field service operations. Our machines deliver years of dependable performance with minimal downtime, even when exposed to dust, debris, and temperature extremes.

  • Comprehensive Support and Training

    Our field service specialists work with your team to optimize blasting parameters for your specific equipment types and contamination levels. Training covers techniques for different substrates and buildup severity, ensuring your operators achieve consistent results.

  • Lower Operating Costs

    Cold Jet dry ice blasters use significantly less dry ice, compressed air, and electricity than competitor machines. These efficiency gains, along with eliminated chemical costs, accelerate payback and reduce ongoing operational expenses.

  • Application-Specific Accessories

    Our range of applicators, hoses, and nozzles allows you to configure your system for everything from broad truck frame cleaning to detailed work on gears, chains, and electrical components.

OUR CUSTOMERS & WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

Asphalt removal and bitumen cleaning customers around the world rely on Cold Jet

With a global install base of 24,000+ systems serving companies of all sizes, Cold Jet delivers proven dry ice blasting solutions for asphalt, tar, and bitumen removal.

  • SealMaster Logo
  • Asphalt Paving Systems Logo
  • Central Specialties Inc - General Road Contractors
  • GAF Logo
  • CertainTeed Logo
  • Kankakee Valley Construction Company Logo

SEE WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DRY ICE BLASTING

Our customers achieve faster, safer asphalt removal with dry ice cleaning equipment.

It’s at least twice as fast, if not faster. With dry ice cleaning, as soon as you hit the build-up, it flies off. The drivers of the trucks love it because it’s much cleaner and they have less problems, such as the nozzles clogging. It’s cost effective, the clean-up is so much easier, it’s safer and it’s environmentally friendly.

Howie Wirkus
Project Manager | National Industrial

When you come in with something non-abrasive, they absolutely love it because they know that, when you’re blasting a tough piece of debris, you’re not damaging their equipment.

Wes Donaldson
Owner | Go Green Dry Ice Blasting
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Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Dry ice blasting uses a combination of thermal shock and kinetic energy. When the freezing dry ice pellets (at -109°F / -78.5°C) hit the material, they cause the asphalt or tar to contract, crack, and lose its adhesive bond to the surface. This effect lifts the contaminant away without needing to scrape or chisel it manually.

  • Yes. Dry ice is non-conductive and non-abrasive, making it safe for electrical wiring, sensor panels, electric motors, and hydraulic systems. Unlike pressure washing, which risks water damage and short circuits, dry ice sublimates into a gas, leaving no moisture or residue behind.

  • Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to clean in-place. Equipment can be cleaned while still at operating temperatures, which actually makes the cleaning 3–5 times faster as contaminants have weaker adhesive strength when hot. This eliminates the need for disassembly and waiting for cool-down periods.

  • Because dry ice sublimates (turns into gas) on contact, the only thing left behind is the primary contaminant—the removed asphalt or tar. This residue remains uncontaminated by cleaning media and can be easily swept or vacuumed up for disposal or recycling. This eliminates the costly treatment of contaminated wastewater required by pressure washing.

  • Dry ice blasting typically reduces cleaning time by 80-90%. For example, a paving truck that normally takes a full week to clean manually can be finished in just one day with dry ice. Large tank liners that might take 3–5 days to scrape manually can be completed in 1 day.

  • While the initial cost of dry ice media and equipment is higher than a bottle of solvent, the total operational cost is often lower. Many operations spend $700 or more per cleaning on chemical solvents alone. When you factor in the massive labor savings, eliminated chemical disposal fees, and lack of secondary waste cleanup, the return on investment (ROI) is significant.


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