Particle transport in field‐reversed configurations is investigated using a one‐dimensional, nondecaying, magnetic field structure. The radial profiles are constrained to satisfy an average &bgr; condition from two‐dimensional equilibrium and a boundary condition at the separatrix to model the balance between closed and open‐field‐line transport. When applied to the FRX‐B experimental data and to the projected performance of the FRX‐C device, this model suggests that the particle confinement times obtained with anomalous lower‐hybrid‐drift transport are in good agreement with the available numerical and experimental data. Larger values of confinement times can be achieved by increasing the ratio of the separatrix radius to the conducting wall radius. Even larger increases in lifetimes might be obtained by improving the open‐field‐line confinement.