Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has created a magnetostrictive (MST) probe that uses guided wave technology to detect corrosion in storage tanks, creating a more cost-effective and efficient inspection method. SwRI's probe attaches to the side of a storage tank and produces a highly detailed map of damaged areas inside.
Photo Credit: Southwest Research Institute
Scientific Frontline: Extended "At a Glance" Summary: SwRI Magnetostrictive Transducer (MST) Probe
The Core Concept: The SwRI MST 8x8 is a magnetostrictive transducer probe that utilizes ultrasonic guided wave technology to externally detect corrosion and anomalies in storage tanks and other structures.
Key Distinction/Mechanism: Unlike traditional inspection methods that require emptying and physically entering a tank, the MST probe attaches directly to the exterior. It operates using a flexible strip of eight ultrasonic sensors that generate shear horizontal guided waves; these waves reflect off corrosion or structural flaws. The data is processed utilizing an advanced imaging algorithm known as the total focusing method, allowing the system to produce high-resolution, two-dimensional maps of structural integrity rather than merely signaling the presence of an anomaly.
Origin/History: The technology was detailed in a press release by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) on March 2, 2026. The efficacy of the MST 8x8 was established in a study authored by Dr. Sergey Vinogradov, titled “Screening of Corrosion in Storage Tank Walls and Bottoms Using an Array of Guided Wave Magnetostrictive Transducers,” published in the journal MDPI Sensors.
Major Frameworks/Components:
- Ultrasonic Guided Wave Technology: Specifically utilizes shear horizontal guided waves for optimal sensitivity and precision in detecting material defects.
- SwRI MST 8x8 Array: A flexible strip comprising eight distinct ultrasonic sensors capable of multi-angle data collection.
- Full Matrix Capture: A data-acquisition framework that captures complete acoustic reflection data from the sensor array.
- Total Focusing Method: An advanced imaging algorithm that processes the captured acoustic data to render detailed 2D structural maps.
Branch of Science: Acoustics, Materials Science, Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE), and Mechanical Engineering.
Future Application: Beyond storage tanks, the technology is adaptable for complex geometries (such as curved surfaces and attachments) and will be deployed to inspect ship hulls, wind turbines, rocket bodies, and pipelines across the aerospace, oil and gas, maritime, manufacturing, and municipal utility sectors.
Why It Matters: The MST probe significantly optimizes industrial maintenance by mitigating the operational downtime associated with draining and cleaning tanks for manual inspection. Furthermore, it inherently elevates occupational safety by eliminating the need for human personnel to work within hazardous, confined spaces.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has created a magnetostrictive transducer (MST) probe that uses ultrasonic guided wave technology to detect corrosion in storage tanks, a process that normally requires emptying the tank and checking for corrosion manually. SwRI’s probe attaches to the outside of a storage tank, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient method of corrosion detection.
The SwRI MST 8x8 is a flexible strip of eight ultrasonic sensors that generate acoustic waves along a structure. The technique identifies anomalies when the waves are reflected back to the sensor by corrosion and other flaws. Specifically, the probe uses shear horizontal guided waves, which are ideal for detecting defects because of their sensitivity and precision. SwRI is a leader in advanced inspection technologies, with considerable expertise in MSTs.
“Many industries require storage tanks to be inspected regularly,” said SwRI’s Dr. Sergey Vinogradov, author of a recent paper detailing the efficacy of the SwRI MST 8x8. “This can be a very expensive process, as it requires the tank to be emptied, cleaned and manually inspected. By allowing inspection without emptying the tank, our probe reduces expensive down time and improves inspection safety, by avoiding work in hazardous, confined spaces.”
SwRI performed rigorous field testing of the probe on a series of storage tanks, though the technology can also be applied to ship hulls, wind turbines, rocket bodies, pipelines and other structures. The probe’s array of eight sensors also allows it to collect data from multiple angles, increasing accuracy.
This setup supports full matrix capture, which gives the system the ability to create highly detailed 2D maps of the tanks.
“Data from the probe is processed with an advanced imaging algorithm, the total focusing method, that generates these maps,” Vinogradov said. “As a result, instead of just indicating the presence of an anomaly, it can create a high-resolution map of the structure, showing areas with potential corrosion. This helps users assess the extent of damage to decide when to schedule expensive, time-consuming tank repairs.”
The probe also works well with complex geometries, such as curved surfaces and attachments, which can interfere with traditional inspection methods.
The inspection technique supports a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, aerospace, manufacturing, shipping, water and municipal utilities. SwRI will offer the technology via equipment sales, licensing and technology transfer to inspection companies.
Authors: Sergey Vinogradov, Nikolay Akimov, Adam Cobb, and Jay Fisher
Source/Credit: Southwest Research Institute
Reference Number: eng030226_01