SwRI Unveils Magnetostrictive Probe for Safer Tank Checks

New technology allows for corrosion detection without emptying storage tanks

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a magnetostrictive transducer (MST) probe that uses ultrasonic guided wave technology to detect corrosion in storage tanks without requiring the tanks to be emptied. The flexible probe attaches to the outside of the tank and can create detailed 2D maps of potential corrosion, helping industries like oil and gas, aerospace, and utilities assess damage and schedule repairs.

Why it matters

Manually inspecting storage tanks for corrosion is a costly and hazardous process, often requiring the tanks to be emptied, cleaned, and entered by workers. SwRI's new probe technology provides a more efficient and safer alternative, allowing companies to monitor the condition of their tanks without extensive downtime.

The details

The SwRI MST 8x8 probe uses an array of eight ultrasonic sensors to generate acoustic waves along the tank structure. By analyzing the reflected waves, the system can detect anomalies caused by corrosion and other flaws. The probe's flexible design allows it to work with complex tank geometries, and the advanced imaging algorithm creates detailed 2D maps of potential problem areas.

  • SwRI unveiled the new probe technology on March 2, 2026.
  • The study detailing the probe's efficacy was published in MDPI Sensors in 2026.

The players

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

A nonprofit research and development organization that specializes in advanced inspection technologies, including magnetostrictive transducer (MST) probes.

Dr. Sergey Vinogradov

An SwRI researcher who authored a paper detailing the performance of the SwRI MST 8x8 probe.

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What they’re saying

“Many industries require storage tanks to be inspected regularly. 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.”

— Dr. Sergey Vinogradov, Author of study on SwRI MST 8x8 probe (Mirage News)

What’s next

SwRI plans to offer the MST 8x8 probe technology through equipment sales, licensing, and technology transfer to inspection companies across various industries.

The takeaway

SwRI's new magnetostrictive probe technology represents a significant advancement in storage tank inspection, providing a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional manual methods. By allowing corrosion detection without the need to empty tanks, this innovation has the potential to transform how companies in the oil and gas, aerospace, and other industries monitor the integrity of their critical infrastructure.