In this study, a mathematical method was developed and applied to an existing analytical solution of a model for heat transfer in a co-current diluted moving bed, making it possible to determine criteria for selecting the lumped parameter analysis. This procedure differs from those previously reported, which generally follow an empirical approach or are based on very simplified models of the physics associated with moving beds. In developing the criteria, conditions for the lumped parameter analysis are obtained and error expressions are determined. A comparison between criteria described in the literature and those proposed herein is presented and the results enable a rational understanding of the existing criteria. The mathematical method is very general and could be applied to other problems in the fields of engineering and physics. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.