Abstract: Compared with oil lubricated bearing compressor sets, the magnetic bearing compressor sets are more efficient, reliable, safe and environment-friendly. In order to promote the research and development of domestic magnetic bearing compressor sets for pipelines, the basic structure, control and protection principles of the magnetic bearing, as well as the technical characteristics of its controller, were introduced. Meanwhile, the main advantages of the magnetic bearing sets for pressurization of gas pipelines were compared with the oil lubricated bearing sets from three aspects of technical performance, safety and environmental protection, and economic benefits. In addition, the research and application of magnetic bearing sets at home and abroad were analyzed, and the key technical problems and difficulties in the development process were summarized with reference to the design concept and advanced standards of foreign magnetic bearing sets. Further, the ideas and suggestions for the development of domestic magnetic bearing sets were proposed from multiple perspectives. Generally, the magnetic bearing compressor sets have a wide prospect of application in China's onshore natural gas pipelines and they are of far-reaching significance to upgrade the localization of key equipment of natural gas pipelines in China. Hence, the research and development of the products should be promoted quickly and forcefully.