This work concentrates on being able to predict the feasibility of conveying particles in the dense phase mode by exploring some of the basic characteristics of the particles in an assembly. The various suggested methods in the literature are reviewed and comparisons made with new and existing data. Measurement of the permeability and de-aeration time of the particles are key parameters to providing a predictive model. A multi-regression analysis has been carried out to provide a model determining the ability of particles to be conveyed in dense phase pulsed piston operation. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.