Gauge saber

The Aqualine Gauging Dipping Stick is the reference instrument for aviation refuelling professionals, petroleum depot operators and hydrocarbon tank managers. Engineered for use in demanding environments, it delivers accurate and reliable ullage measurements in Jet A-1, kerosene, diesel and other liquid hydrocarbon tanks, directly contributing to safe ground operations. Its construction in hydrocarbon-resistant materials and EEC Class II approval make it fully compliant with the strictest regulatory requirements, and suitable for use in explosion-risk zones (ATEX). The permanent laser-like engraving and vertical graduation scale enable fast, unambiguous reading, reducing the risk of human error during stock verification. Available in six standardised lengths, the Aqualine Dipping Stick adapts to all tank configurations encountered at airport platforms, petroleum depots and industrial maintenance sites. Its traceable calibration through the LNE (French National Metrology Institute) ensures metrological compliance — a critical requirement in environments subject to quality audits (ISO, ICAO, IATA).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Ruler material : AU4G duralumin (high-strength aluminum-copper alloy)

Support material : ASG (aluminum alloy), black anodized

Slider : Brass (non-magnetic, antistatic)

Support section: 15 × 25 × 15 mm

Long ruler section : 21.5 × 1.2 mm (for 1 m and 2 m lengths)

"T" base width : 600 mm (60 cm)

Graduation : 2 divisions per mm — millimeter reading

Numbering : Vertical — zero (0) positioned at the top

Available lengths : 0.50 m / 0.60 m / 1.00 m / 1.50 m / 2.00 m / 2.50 m / 3.00 m

Approval : EEC Class II

Measurement principle : Dip gauging (void height measurement)

Chemical resistance : Jet A-1 kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, common hydrocarbons

Calibration : By interferometric comparison — LNE (Nîmes, France)

Calibration certificate : Available upon request

Estimated weight : From ~150 g (0.50 m) to ~900 g (3.00 m) depending on length

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE 

• EEC Class II Approval — Legal measuring instrument compliant with European regulations for gauging instruments in hazardous environments.
• LNE — Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais (Nîmes unit) — Calibration traceable to national standards using interferometric comparison method.
• ATEX Compatibility — The constituent materials (aluminium, brass, anodised ASG) are selected for their antistatic behaviour and spark-free friction properties, suitable for use in classified ATEX zones (Directive 2014/34/EU, Zone 1 and Zone 2).
• Hydrocarbon Resistance — Engraving and materials tested for prolonged resistance to aviation fuels (Jet A-1), kerosene, diesel and common hydrocarbons in accordance with EN 13617 requirements.
• Legal Metrology — Compliant with the requirements of European Directive 2014/32/EU on measuring instruments (MID) for volumetric tank gauging applications.

A gauging dipping stick is a manual measuring instrument designed to check the level of liquid in hydrocarbon tanks and cisterns using the ullage method (also known as gauging by the void or dip gauging from the top). Unlike the innage method (measuring liquid column height from the bottom), ullage gauging consists of inserting the instrument through the tank's gauging port and measuring the void height — i.e. the distance from the liquid surface to the upper inner shell (strake) of the tank. This value, cross-referenced against the tank gauging table specific to each tank, provides the precise volume of liquid contained.

The Aqualine Dipping Stick, EEC Class II approved, is designed to meet the strictest operational and regulatory requirements of aeronautical and petroleum environments. Its duralumin AU 4G construction (lightweight high-strength alloy), with black anodised ASG support and brass cursor, ensures optimum durability in aggressive hydrocarbon-laden atmospheres, while minimising the risk of friction sparks — a fundamental requirement in ATEX zones.

How to Use

1. Preparation : If required, apply a thin coat of hydrocarbon-detecting paste (or Kolor Kut water-detecting paste) on the lower face of the dipping stick, around the estimated contact point with the liquid surface.
2. Positioning : Insert the dipping stick vertically into the tank gauging port. The upper "T" bar (60 cm span) rests on the strake or port rim, ensuring a reproducible reference position and an absolute zero from the upper shell.
3. Reading : The pre-positioned brass cursor indicates the ullage height directly in millimetres on the vertical scale (zero at top).
4. Conversion : Cross-reference the measured value against the tank's specific gauging table to obtain the corresponding liquid volume.
5. Maintenance : Wipe the dipping stick thoroughly after each use. Check the condition of the engraving and cursor. Schedule periodic calibrations in accordance with applicable quality procedures.

Application Areas & Risk Prevention

The Aqualine Dipping Stick is suited to all environments where accurate fuel and hydrocarbon level management is critical:

• Airport platforms and refuelling operations : Jet A-1 stock verification in refueller truck tanks and hydrant systems before and after aircraft refuelling. Strict adherence to dip gauging procedures under IATA AHM (Airport Handling Manual) and JIG (Joint Inspection Group) standards is a regulatory obligation for all refuelling operators.
• Petroleum depots and storage terminals : Daily level monitoring of diesel, kerosene, domestic heating oil or aviation fuel tanks in depots subject to environmental protection regulations.
• Petroleum and petrochemical industry : Storage level control at refineries, distribution depots or production sites.
• Industrial maintenance and dangerous goods transport : Level verification before and after loading/unloading of tank trucks, rail tankers or river barges.

Safety note : In ATEX zones, it is essential to use instruments designed to prevent any ignition risk. The selection of non-ferrous materials (aluminium, brass) for the Aqualine Dipping Stick meets this requirement by minimising spark risk. Electrostatic bonding must be ensured before inserting any instrument into a hydrocarbon tank (earthing/grounding connection). When in doubt about fuel quality (water contamination), the combined use of a Kolor Kut water-detecting paste is strongly recommended.