This article is to test the EMMS-based multiscale mass transfer model through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of ozone decomposition in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) reactor. Three modeling approaches, namely types A, B and C, are classified according to their drag coefficient closure and mass transfer equations. Simulation results show that the routine approach (type Q with assumption of homogeneous flow and concentration overestimates the ozone conversion rate, introduction of structure-dependent drag force will improve the model prediction (type B), while the best fit to experimental data is obtained by the multiscale mass transfer approach (type A), which takes into account the sub-grid heterogeneity of both flow and concentration. In general, multiscale behavior of mass transfer is more distinct especially for the dense riser flow. The fair agreement between our new model with literature data suggests a fresh paradigm for the CFB related reaction simulation. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.