Aviation Meters

Three pillars define ISOIL aviation metering excellence:

• Precision measurement: our positive displacement meters achieve accuracy levels of ±0.1% with repeatability of ±0.01%, ensuring every liter / gallon delivered is accurately measured and billed. This level of precision translates directly into cost control and fuel inventory management.

• Industry compliance: ISOIL aviation meters meet the strictest international standards, including JIG, ATEX, PED, and MID certifications essential for aviation fuel handling operations. Plus the GL/DNV certification in case of installation of the equipment in marine applications (typically off shore platforms).

• Extended service life: engineered with robust materials and precision manufacturing, ISOIL meters deliver 10 to 20 years of continuous operation with minimal maintenance requirements. The result is lower total cost of ownership and reduced downtime for critical refueling operations.

From the smallest general aviation refueling module to high-capacity commercial aircraft refuellers handling thousands of liters per minute, ISOIL provides tailored solutions backed by Italian engineering excellence and global technical support.

Aviation Fuel Metering Across All Ground Refueling Operations

ISOIL aviation meters are designed to excel in the diverse range of ground refueling scenarios found across commercial, military, and general aviation operations.

Aircraft refuellers for commercial aviation

Large commercial aircraft require rapid, high-volume fuel delivery with absolute measurement accuracy. ISOIL meters in the BM AVIO series handle flow rates up to 4000 liters per minute, perfectly suited for refueling wide-body jets and cargo aircraft. These meters integrate seamlessly with modern refueler trucks, providing real-time fuel flow data to on-board computers and enabling efficient turnaround times at busy commercial airports.

Hydrant dispenser systems

At major airports with hydrant refueling infrastructure, fuel is distributed through underground pipelines to hydrant pits located throughout the ramp. ISOIL aviation meters installed on hydrant dispensers provide the accuracy and reliability needed for this high-throughput environment. The extended flow rate range of our meters accommodates both rapid commercial aircraft refueling and slower general aviation fills from the same hydrant system.

Helicopter refueling modules

Helicopter operations demand versatile metering solutions that can handle varying flow rates and operate reliably in diverse environments. ISOIL meters from the SBM 75 and SBM 150 series offer the flexibility required for helicopter refueling, whether at fixed base operations, offshore platforms, or mobile field operations. Material compatibility with both Jet-A turbine fuel and Avgas ensures these meters serve across rotary-wing fleets.

Small aircraft overwing refueling

General aviation and small commercial aircraft often use overwing refueling where fuel is delivered directly into wing-mounted fill ports. ISOIL aviation meters provide accurate low-flow measurement essential for these operations, preventing overfill incidents while ensuring pilots receive the precise fuel quantity ordered. Fixed-base operators rely on ISOIL meters to support fair billing and efficient fuel inventory management.

Fixed installations vs mobile units

ISOIL aviation meters adapt to both stationary installations and mobile refueling platforms. Fixed installation meters serve dedicated refueling stations for refuellers,  helicopter operations or small aircraft facilities, while mobile-mounted meters on refueler trucks and hydrant dispensers provide flexibility across the airfield. All ISOIL aviation meters feature robust construction capable of withstanding the vibration, temperature extremes, and electromagnetic interference inherent in airport ground operations.

Explore Aviation Fuel Solutions

Learn more about ISOIL's complete range of aviation fuel handling products and services. From loading and unloading systems to automation and calibration equipment, ISOIL provides comprehensive solutions for aviation fuel operations.

How ISOIL PD meters work

Positive Displacement Metering Technology for Aviation Fuels

ISOIL aviation meters employ positive displacement (PD) technology, the gold standard for custody transfer measurement in aviation fuel handling. Understanding how this technology works reveals why PD meters deliver superior accuracy and reliability compared to alternative metering methods.

The volumetric measurement principle

A positive displacement meter operates by trapping precise, fixed volumes of fuel and counting each volume as it passes through the measuring chamber. Inside the ISOIL meter body, precision-machined rotors rotate as fuel flows through the chamber. Each complete rotation of the rotors corresponds to an exact, known volume of liquid. By counting rotor rotations through mechanical or electronic means, the meter calculates total fuel volume with exceptional accuracy.

Unlike inferential meters that estimate flow based on velocity or pressure differential, PD meters physically measure each discrete parcel of fuel. This direct volumetric measurement eliminates many error sources and provides excellent repeatability across varying flow rates and fluid properties.

Rotor design and measuring chamber

The heart of an ISOIL aviation meter is its precision measuring chamber. Vane assemblies create sealed cavities that fill and empty with each rotation. Tight manufacturing tolerances between rotors and chamber walls minimize slippage while maintaining smooth, low-friction operation. This design ensures accurate measurement even at the extreme flow rate ranges required in aviation refueling, from slow helicopter fills to rapid wide-body aircraft refueling.

Materials selection focuses on compatibility with aviation fuels and resistance to the corrosive and abrasive conditions found in fuel handling systems. 

Why Positive Displacement excels in ground refueling

Compared to turbine meters and ultrasonic meters, positive displacement technology offers distinct advantages for aviation ground refueling applications. Turbine meters, while compact, are sensitive to fluid viscosity changes, wear over time due to moving parts in the flow stream, and lose accuracy at low flow rates. Ultrasonic meters avoid moving parts but can be affected by air entrainment and require more complex installation with specific straight-pipe requirements.

PD meters deliver consistent accuracy across the full flow range, tolerate the presence of air or vapor that can occur during fuel transfer, and maintain calibration stability over extended service intervals. For custody transfer applications where every liter / gallon must be accurately accounted for, positive displacement meters provide the measurement certainty that aviation fuel suppliers, airport operators, and aircraft owners require.

Why ISOIL aviation meters deliver superior performance

• High accuracy: ±0.1% measurement accuracy with ±0.01% repeatability meets international custody transfer standards, ensuring fair transactions and precise fuel inventory control.
  
  
• Universal fuel compatibility: handles all aviation fuel types (Jet-A, Jet A-1, Jet A8, Avgas 100LL, SAF, … ) with corrosion-resistant materials and surface treatments for long-term reliability.
  
  
• Wide flow range: covers 35 to 4,000 l/min, accommodating everything from helicopter refueling to rapid commercial aircraft fueling with a single meter design.
  
  
• Extended service life: delivers more than 10 to 20 years of continuous operation with minimal maintenance—only periodic calibration checks and seal replacement required.
  
  
• Airport EMC compliance: pulse emitters with CAN bus communication resist electromagnetic interference from radios, radar, and airport electrical systems for reliable signal transmission.
  
  
• Durable construction: aluminum and carbon steel construction with specialized surface treatments withstand weather, fuel vapors, and corrosive conditions in demanding refueling environments.

Integrated solutions for aviation fuel management

Accurate fuel measurement extends beyond the meter itself. ISOIL provides complete aviation fuel metering systems that integrate positive displacement meters with pulse emitters, electronic counters, and automation equipment to deliver turnkey solutions for aircraft refueling operations.

• Integrated three-component solution: ISOIL aviation metering systems combine PD meters, pulse emitters, and electronic counters in a complete measurement chain from fuel flow to final transaction display.

• Aviation-grade pulse emitters: CAN bus communication resists electromagnetic interference from airport radar and radio systems. ATEX-certified for hazardous areas with high-resolution output for real-time monitoring.

• VEGA T2 electronic counter: JIG Bulletin No. 130 compliant command center manages preset deliveries, interfaces with refueler on-board computers, and provides data logging for inventory management.

• Seamless OBC integration: standardized protocols connect VEGA T2 and pulse emitters to vehicle on-board computers for delivery control, safety interlocks, and fuel tracking systems.

• Calibration equipment: master meters and proving tanks meet Energy Institute HM 20 standards, enabling airports and fuel suppliers to verify meter accuracy and maintain compliance.

• Turnkey system design: custom-engineered complete systems for refueling vehicles, hydrant dispensers, and fixed facilities with factory testing, commissioning support, and global technical assistance.

Explore Aviation Fuel Solutions

Learn more about ISOIL's complete range of aviation fuel handling products and services. From loading and unloading systems to automation and calibration equipment, ISOIL provides comprehensive solutions for aviation fuel operations.

Why choose ISOIL

60+ Years of Specialized Experience

Since 1958, ISOLI has focused exclusively on precision fuel metering equipment. Deep specialization in positive displacement technology translates into aviation meters that reflect decades of field experience.

Made in Italy Quality Standards

Italian traditions of precision engineering and quality craftsmanship. Advanced manufacturing, rigorous testing, individual calibration, and quality documentation ensure immediate installation readiness.

Customization Capability

Tailored metering solutions for varying operational requirements. Special flanges, materials, output configurations, and system integration adapted to match your specific operational environment.

Global Support Network

Worldwide network of distributors, service partners, and direct technical support. Access to technical assistance, spare parts, calibration services, field service, and experienced application engineers throughout service life.

Total Cost of Ownership Advantage

Exceptional longevity — 10-20 years — minimal maintenance, and stable calibration deliver lower cost per gallon metered. Modular design and readily available spare parts minimize costly downtime.

Continuous Innovation

ISOLI continuously refines designs, materials, and manufacturing to meet evolving industry requirements. Recent innovations: CAN bus pulse emitters for EMC, JIG-compliant counters, and fuel-compatible material treatments.

Key Numbers

Request a Custom Quote

Get pricing and delivery information for ISOIL aviation meters configured to your specifications. Provide details about your application including fuel types, flow rates, required certifications, and integration requirements, and receive a detailed quotation for metering equipment and systems.