A full two-fluid model of reacting gas-particle flows with an algebraic unified second-order moment turbulence-chemistry model for the turbulent reaction rate of NO formation are used to simulate swirling coal combustion. The sub-models are the k-s-kp two-phase turbulence model, the EBU-Arrhenius volatile and CO combustion model, the six-flux radiation model, coal devolatilization model and char combustion model. The prediction results are in good agreement with the experimental results taken from references. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.