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The most significant of the guided wave NDE (network design engineering) techniques revolve around the ability to control segments of a guided wave producing phased array. Advanced electronic engineering and computational speed have enabled the development of phased array guided wave ultrasonics, with natural focussing and FAT (frequency annular tuning) or with controlled phased array focussing with appropriate algorithms. Here, recent accomplishments of robust leading edge technologies in the long-range ultrasonic guided wave inspection technique of pipelines are shown, including the technology transfer to the gas and petrochemical industries. Focussing of guided wave beams is a key for success, compared to conventional axisymmetric excitation. Guided wave scanning and significant sensitivity enhancement are established via the newly implemented focussing scheme, and the increased sensitivity to defects via focusing is illustrated. In addition, using both longitudinal and torsional modes is essential to improve sensitivity and reliability in data analysis over the conventional technique based on longitudinal or torsional modes only. Experimental results show that neither torsional nor longitudinal modes can find all defects, but application of both modes for inspection increases their detection probability and also adds some redundancy. With circumferential displacement profiles, welds can be identified and inspected, and the circumferential position of a defect can be located.