M. Moles, R/D Tech, Toronto, ON, Canada; S. Labbé, R/D Tech, Québec, QC, Canada

Summary: Linear weld inspections using ultrasonic phased arrays offer significant benefits over radiography, manual ultrasonic inspections and automated raster scans. First, linear scanning is approximately an order of magnitude faster than raster scanning. Second, phased arrays permit electronic scanning, beam sweeping and focusing. In effect, inspections can be tailored to the weld profile, component and structural integrity requirements.