A modified k-epsilon turbulence model is developed in this study to simulate the gas-liquid two-phase flow and heat transfer in steam surface condensers. A quasi-three-dimensional algorithm is used to simulate the fluid flow and heat transfer in steam surface condensers. The numerical method is based on the conservation equations of mass and momentum for both gas-phase and liquid-phase, and mass fraction conservation equation for non-condensable gases. The numerical simulation of an experimental steam surface condenser has been conducted using the proposed modified k-e turbulence model. The results obtained from the proposed model agree well with the experimental results and the results also show an obvious improvement in the prediction accuracy comparing with previous results where a constant value for the turbulent viscosity was used. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.