The steady and unsteady state simulations of Stairmand cyclone separator were carried out to investigate the performance of different interpolation schemes for discretization of pressure gradient and advection terms. The RSM turbulence model was revisited to explore its simulation capability of PVC phenomenon and fluctuating velocity profiles of cyclone separators. The combination of Presto, SO, standard and BFW schemes for discretization of pressure gradient and FOU, power law, SOU, QUICK and MUSCL schemes for discretization of advection terms were studied. The double precision solver of Fluent 6.3.26 and modified RSM turbulence model constants of Jiao et al. (Chem. Eng. Technol. 30 (2007) 15-20) were also verified for simulation of cyclone separators. The predicted mean and fluctuating velocity profiles and pressure drop inside the cyclone separator with steady and unsteady simulations have been compared to experimental results available in literature. The steady state simulation failed to predict velocity profiles and pressure drop inside cyclone separator accurately, whereas the unsteady state simulation predicted velocity profiles, pressure drop and PVC phenomenon close to experimental values. The prediction of fluctuating velocity profile was better than previously reported work in the core region compared to the off core region. The present study revealed that the SOU scheme for discretization of advection terms of momentum, kinetic energy and its dissipation rate equations and the FOU scheme for Reynolds stresses together with the Presto scheme for discretization of pressure gradient with unsteady simulation are the optimum choice for simulation of cyclone separators. (C) 2010 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.