Enthalpy transport in a pulse tube was investigated by two-dimensional analysis of mass, momentum and energy equations assuming that the axial temperature gradient in the pulse tube is constant. Time-averaged second-order conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy were used to show the existence of steady mass streaming and enthalpy streaming. Effects of axial temperature gradient, velocity amplitude ratio and heat transfer between the gas and the wall on the steady mass streaming and enthalpy streaming were shown. Enthalpy loss due to the steady mass streaming is zero for basic and orifice pulse tube refrigerators, but it is proportional to the axial temperature gradient and steady mass flow rate through a pulse tube for double inlet pulse tube refrigerators.