CFD modeling of air and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) particles in the riser of a high density circulating fluidized bed (HDCFB) has been performed. The implementation of correct inlet conditions was found to be critical for the successful simulation of the hydrodynamics. The simulated profiles of gas and solid velocity and volume fraction were overall in good agreement with experimental data reported in the literature. However, due to the difficulties in accurate modeling of the solid segregation toward the wall, the solid volume fraction was under predicted near the walls. The effect of modeling parameters including different drag models, wall restitution coefficient values, and solid slip conditions have been evaluated. While the wall restitution coefficient did not exhibit a significant effect on the riser hydrodynarnics, the appropriate slip condition aided in predicting the solid segregation toward the wall. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.