Abstract: This paper discusses the theory and development direction of intelligent control techniques, including neural network, fuzzy theory, model predictive control and expert system and also presents the researching findings and development of intelligent control means obtained by scholars and researchers abroad in recent decades, which are successfully used in the operation and management of natural gas pipelines. The authors point out that it is very import to deeply study this technique and widely apply the findings to the field of intelligent control of gas pipeline in China's gas pipeline industry.