Building Design Considerations for Drycleaning Plants Operating with ExxonMobil Chemical Drycleaning Fluid 2000 (DF-2000™ Fluid)

Technical Data Topics:   Building Design Considerations   Stoddard Replacement   Safe Handling of Solvent   Odor Development Protection   Alternative Solvents Comparison Matrix

The standards as referenced in this document along with applicable local building codes should be consulted for specific requirements but ultimate decisions must be approved by the local "Authority Having Jurisdiction". This information was developed for DF-2000 Fluid; it may not apply to Stoddard or other petroleum solvents, which may have different chemical and physical properties.

The National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 32, 2000 Edition (Standard for Drycleaning Plants) can be used as a guide for minimal building requirements. The authority having jurisdiction must issue the permit to construct and/or operate the hydrocarbon solvent equipment and is the definitive reference for building requirements.

DF-2000 Fluid is within the NFPA 32 Class III A solvent classification. This classification is based on the flash point of the solvent being within the range of 140°F and 200°F. Because of this classification, the drycleaning plant using DF-2000 Fluid is governed by NFPA 32 guidelines for Class III A plants.

Electrical wiring of a Type III A plant should be in accordance with NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) for ordinary locations. There may be more stringent requirements for distillation and drying equipment. 

Separation requirements for Type III A Drycleaning Plants are outlined in Section 6.1.2.1 of NFPA 32 which is quoted below. Automatic sprinklers are required for such plants unless the conditions of Exception No. 2 below are met¹.    

NFPA has just released an errata for NFPA 32 where Section 6.1.2.1 Exception 2 should read as follows: 

"(a) Features that limit oxygen concentrations to less than 8 percent by volume."

(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 32, Drycleaning Plants, Copyright ©2000, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the standard in its entirety. ¹The printed  10 per cent by volume oxygen concentration in Subpart (a) is under review by the NFPA since the clause may have been approved with 8 rather than 10 per cent.)

• References
  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 32), Standard for Drycleaning Plants.
  NFPA 70 - National Electric Code® (NEC), Article 500-501.
  NFPA 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
  

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