List the main steps in performing a weld inspection with angle-beam UT.

• A. Surface preparation, select wedge/angle, calibrate with a reference reflector, scan along the weld, collect A-scans at key positions, interpret echoes and size defects.
• B. Only scan along the weld without calibration.
• C. Clean the surface and measure thickness by calipers.
• D. Use random angles and infer from color on screen.

Answer: (A)

A weld inspection with angle-beam UT relies on a careful, repeatable sequence to reliably detect and size flaws. Start with proper surface preparation and coupling so the ultrasonic energy enters the material consistently. Then choose the correct wedge and beam angle to direct the ultrasound into the weld area in a way that makes flaws most visible and detectable for the expected defect orientations. Calibrate the setup using a reference reflector to set sensitivity and establish the sizing scale so echo amplitudes correspond to defect size and the timing of reflections maps to depth. After that, scan along the weld to cover its entire length, and at key positions collect A-scan data to document reflections from potential flaws. Finally, interpret the echoes to identify defect locations and sizes, distinguishing noise from real indications and applying the sizing results to evaluate acceptability.

This approach matters because calibration and reference standards ensure that you can quantify defect sizes, and scanning along the weld with recorded A-scans provides a complete, defensible assessment. Skipping calibration, using incorrect geometry, or relying on surface appearance or color alone would lead to unreliable, non-quantified results, which is why those alternatives aren’t suitable.