Intelligent Simulation Plant Technology includes dynamic simulation of production units, control system simulator, and operation procedures for production facilities. Taking the ethane recovery unit from a domestic natural gas treating plant as an example, this paper developed intelligent simulation plants for the ethane recovery unit by using the intelligent simulation plants technology. This intelligent simulation system verified the rationality of the control scheme and process flow design, and got obtain initial values of the PID control parameters via tuning of DCS control loop configurations. This intelligent simulation system can provide system operation training for operators. Operators can perform start-up and shut-down operations using the intelligent simulation system as many times as needed, and this training process helps to optimize the operation procedure card to meet actual production situation. After operators perform the steps according to the operation procedure card, an assessment and evaluation would be provided. This intelligent simulation system verified the application value of intelligent simulation plants technology on ethane recovery unit, laying the foundations for intelligent optimization technology, production operation stages and intelligent production operation.