A one-dimensional model for a turbulent fluidized bed is proposed and applied to the analysis of a CO2 capture process using a polyethylenimine (PEI)-silica sorbent. A formula for the contact efficiency was derived from the kinetic equation of the sorbent and the Kunii-Levenspiel core-shell model. Axial profiles of the gas and solid phase CO2 concentrations and bed temperature were computed, and the energy demand for CO2 capture was assessed for different degrees of sensible heat recovery. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.