We applied an Eulerian-Eulerian two-fluid model on an upward dispersed oil-water flow in vertical pipe with 80 mm diameter and 2.5 m length. The numerical profiles of the radial distribution of the oil drops at 1.5 m from the inflow are compared to the experimental data of Lucas and Panagiotopoulos (Flow Meas Instrum. 2009; 20: 127-135) This article analyzes the roles of turbulence and interfacial forces on the phase distribution phenomenon. In liquid-liquid flow the relative velocity is low and the distribution of the dispersed phase is mainly governed by the turbulence. This work highlights the important role of the turbulent contribution obtained by averaging the added mass force on the radial distribution profiles of the oil drops. The numerical results present improved profiles of the dispersed phase comparing to the experimental data when this turbulent contribution is taken into account in the momentum balance. (C) 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers