A torsional guided wave was applied to detect a defect in petrochemical pipes. Phase and group velocity dispersion curves for the longitudinal and torsional modes of the inspected pipe were presented for the theoretical analysis. It was found through mode shape analysis that there was mode conversion when torsional wave is incident at an asymmetric defect. An artificial notch was fabricated in the pipe and the detectability was examined from the distance 2m of the end of the pipe by using magnetostrictive sensors. The relativities between the amplitude of the reflected signal and the size of the defect was examined. It was shown that the T(0,1) mode could be used for the long range inspection for the petrochemical pipes.