Understanding particle attrition is vital to the optimisation of a wide range of industrial processes. Lean phase pneumatic conveying is one such process, whereby the high energy particle impacts can cause undesirable loss in product quality or change in bulk behaviour. The attrition process is resolved into a material function and a process function; the combination of these functions dictates the attrition mechanism present, and the magnitude of failure observed. Subsequently, the forces applied to the particles are examined within the context of lean phase pneumatic conveying. Finally, empirical and numerical models are reviewed along with comments on experimental method. To summarise some of the findings of this review: the requirement of standardised test equipment is recognised in order to compare the wide variety of particulate materials under comparable loading conditions; stronger correlation between the results obtained from different particle attrition test methods is required; and finally, seldom are the manufacturing conditions (where applicable) linked to the particulate attrition behaviour. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.