Using a two-component laser Doppler velocimeter, the axial velocity, tangential velocity and fluctuation velocity were measured in a 35-mm deoiling hydrocyclone. Air core occurs in the hydrocyclone when inlet flow rate is more than 2.00 m(3)/h. The fluctuation velocities with air core are greater than without air core. The velocity magnitudes are dependent on the inlet flow rate and the flow character is not change by changes in the inlet flow rate in hydrocyclone. The velocity fluctuations are greater near the core and near the wall. The results show that air core in the hydrocyclone will arose turbulence fluctuation. These studies are helpful to understand the separation mechanism of deoiling hydrocyclone. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.