Abstract: In response to the problems of low efficiency and insufficient utilization of intelligent means in traditional patrol methods for long-distance oil and gas pipelines, an intelligent patrol approach suitable for different risk types and application scenarios is proposed combining with the terrain, geomorphology, and social environment characteristics along the pipeline in western China, and the intelligent patrol goals are clarified: to achieve complete control over risks, intelligent perception of high-risk or critical points in the entire time domain and airspace, overall resource investment for patrol not exceeding the average industry level, and great improvement of the efficiency of patrol every one hundred kilometers by person/vehicle. Based on the comprehensive analysis and evaluation method of pipeline route risks, key elements of intelligent patrol control have been determined for typical risk scenarios, and the hardware and software facilities for intelligent patrol have been clarified. Implementation measures and verification methods for intelligent patrol have been put forward for pipelines with different levels of risks. By adopting different intelligent patrol technologies in different scenarios, pipeline risks can be controlled precisely.