A new numerical model based on the two-fluid model (TFM) including the kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF) and complicated reactions has been developed to simulate coal gasification in a bubbling fluidized bed gasifier (BFBG). The collision between particles is described by KTGF. The coal gasification rates are determined by combining Arrhenius rate and diffusion rate for heterogeneous reactions or turbulent mixing rate for homogeneous reactions. The flow behaviors of gas and solid phases in the bed and freeboard can be predicted, which are not easy to be measured through the experiments. The calculated exit values of gas composition are agreed well with the experimental data. The relationship between gas composition profiles with the height of gasifier and the distributions of temperature, gas and solid velocity and solid volume fraction were discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.