Building Code Glossary
Remote Solvent Reservoir: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define remote solvent reservoir, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Remote solvent reservoir is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Flammable and Combustible Liquids. The code's own words are: “A liquid solvent container enclosed against evaporative losses to the atmosphere during periods when the container is not being utilized, except for a solvent return opening not larger than 16 square inches (10 322 mm2). Such return allows pump-cycled used solvent to drain back into the reservoir from a separate solvent sink or work area.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Remote Solvent Reservoir — IFC 2009, Flammable and Combustible Liquids:
A liquid solvent container enclosed against evaporative losses to the atmosphere during periods when the container is not being utilized, except for a solvent return opening not larger than 16 square inches (10 322 mm2). Such return allows pump-cycled used solvent to drain back into the reservoir from a separate solvent sink or work area.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Remote Solvent Reservoir is defined once in this corpus, in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A liquid solvent container enclosed against evaporative losses to the atmosphere during periods when the container is not being utilized, except for a solvent return opening not larger than 16 square inches (10 322 mm2). Such return allows pump-cycled used solvent to drain back into the reservoir from a separate solvent sink or work area.
Where remote solvent reservoir is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 21 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The terms remote solvent reservoir is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what remote solvent reservoir covers:
- Container — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- Enclosed — IRC 2009: Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.
- Liquid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa).
- Drain — IRC 2009: Any pipe that carries soil and water-borne wastes in a building drainage system.
Remote Solvent Reservoir: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Flammable and Combustible Liquids | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Enclosed | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Liquid | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Container: Building Code Definition
- Enclosed: Building Code Definition
- Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Drain: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of remote solvent reservoir?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Flammable and Combustible Liquids as: “A liquid solvent container enclosed against evaporative losses to the atmosphere during periods when the container is not being utilized, except for a solvent return opening not larger than 16 square inches (10 322 mm2). Such return allows pump-cycled used solvent to drain back into the reservoir from a separate solvent sink or work area.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on remote solvent reservoir?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Flammable and Combustible Liquids in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
Related pages
- Relief Valve, Vacuum: Building Code Definition
Relief Valve, Vacuum — IRC 2009 definition: A valve that automatically opens and closes a vent for relieving a vacuum within the hot …
- Relief Vent: Building Code Definition
Relief Vent — IPC 2009 definition: A vent whose primary function is to provide circulation of air between drainage and vent systems.
- Religious Worship, Place OF: Building Code Definition
Religious Worship, Place OF — IBC 2009 definition: A building or portion thereof intended for the performance of religious services.
- Repair Garage: Building Code Definition
Repair Garage — IFC 2009 definition: A building, structure or portion thereof used for servicing or repairing motor vehicles.
- Repair: Building Code Definition
Repair — IBC 2009 definition: The reconstruction or renewal ofany part ofan existing building for the purpose of its maintenance.
- Reroofing: Building Code Definition
Reroofing — IBC 2009 definition: The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering.