Using the analogy between lateral convection of heat and the two-phase flow in bubble columns, alternative turbulence modelling methods were analysed. The k-epsilon turbulence and Reynolds stress models were used to predict the buoyant motion of fluids where a density difference arises due to the introduction of heat or a discrete phase. A large height to width aspect ratio cavity was employed in the transport of heat and it was shown that the Reynolds stress model with the use of velocity profiles including the laminar flow solution resulted in turbulent vortices developing. The turbulence models were then applied to the simulation of gas-liquid flow for a 5:1 height to width aspect ratio bubble column. In the case of a gas superficial velocity of 0.02 m s(-1) it was determined that employing the Reynolds stress model yielded the most realistic simulation results. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.