Pneumatic Conveying has often been referred to as a "black art" rather than a science because equipment suppliers are very reluctant to provide information relative to how they arrived at a particular recommendation for any given application. Their respective experience is a key factor in their ability to provide equipment and solutions.
There is an abundance of academic studies, text books and printed matter available which will provide formulae, curves tables and theories but lack the ability for the "normal engineer in the plant" to apply them to his every-day problems.