A CFD model was developed with the aim at simulating the turbulent flow field induced by dust feeding and dispersion within the 20 L bomb, and the associated effects on the distribution of dust concentration. The model was validated considering a set of data (pressure time histories and root mean square velocity) available in the literature. The time sequences of velocity vector and kinetic energy maps have shown that multiple turbulent vortex structures are established within the sphere. These vortices generate dead volumes for the dust which is pushed toward the walls of the sphere. The obtained results are relevant to the practice of dust explosion testing and the interpretation of test results and, then, they should be taken as reference to improve the conditions for standard tests. (c) 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2485-2496, 2013