Abstract: In order to prevent corrosion of the external surface of metal pipelines from affecting the safety of pipeline operation, research was conducted on the treatment methods of the external surface of in-service pipelines. By analyzing the surface treatment equipment of pipelines, a rust removal and painting equipment with automatic control function was designed, which integrates rust removal and painting in one; this solves the problem of rust removal and painting for pipelines with different corrosion levels and multiple working conditions in existing technology. Structural design on the rust removal module, power module and painting module components is conducted by using the Inventor software so as to enable the equipment to pass through typical attachments such as pipeline flanges and bends; and strength verification on the key component is then carried out. By performing secondary surface treatment on pipelines without insulation layer and those not directly buried in service, the anti-corrosion performance and service life of pipelines can be improved.