In this paper some considerations are presented about the equations needed to set up a model of the process of heat and mass transfer in porous media. A clear classification is made of the various types of equations used and of their physical meaning. Special attention is paid to the thermodynamic equilibrium equations and to their derivation since they are too often taken for granted. The importance of the various transport mechanisms (of mass and energy) is analyzed and the consequences that can arise when some term is neglected are indicated.