A three-component particle-dynamics anemometer is used to measure the characteristics of two-phase gas/particle flows in the near-burner region for a centrally fuel rich swirl coal combustion burner using a gas/particle two-phase test facility. Velocities, mean particle diameters and particle-volume flux profiles were obtained. The primary air and glass beads partially penetrate the central recirculation zone and are then deflected radially. At the center of the central recirculation zone, the mean radial velocities and tangential velocities are low and a zone of high particle-volume flux and large particle size is formed. The influence of gas/particle flow characteristics on combustion is analyzed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.