As the development and regionalized management mode of unmanned station continue to advance, the centrifugal compressors for long-distance pipeline, with high operating pressure and handling hazardous process medium become an increasing concern. If there is no human intervention after the compressor surge control system fails, the continuous surge of the compressor could result in serious consequences. According to the relevant requirements of the API 670—2014 Machine Protection Systems, the long-distance pipeline centrifugal compressor should be provided with surge detection function in addition to the surge control. A variety of detection methods should be used to monitor the surge conditions for centrifugal compressor, so as to make a rapid response to different surge conditions of the compressor. The changes in characteristics of relevant parameters after centrifugal compressor surge are analyzed. It is found that the discharge pressure and flowrate change rapidly and periodically during surge of compressor. Finally, a variety of related ideas about surge cycle counting and surge detection are proposed, and suggestions are provided for the setting of vibration alarm values during compressor operation. This study provides reference for related research of surge detection as an additional line of defense in case the surge control of the centrifugal compressor of long-distance pipeline fails.