The residence time and the residence time distribution (RTD) of model food particles (cylindrical, diameter and length = 0.02 m, density = 1130 kg/m(3)) in the curved section of a transparent holding tube have been investigated. Variables included in the study were particle concentration (20%, 30% and 40%) and bend radius of curvature (0.089, 0.22 and 0.28 m). The results show that the means of the normalized residence rime tend to increase as either particle concentration or bend radius of curvature increased. However there was no clear tendency of the effect of the experimental variables on the standard deviation of the normalized residence time. Empirical correlations between the means and the standard deviations of the normalized residence rime and particle Froude number; particle concentration, and the ratio of bend radius of curvature to tube diameter are presented.