The hydrodvnamic behavior of a rotating disc contactor (72 mm in diameter, operating height of 1.1 m, 22 mixing compartments) was studied using the two-phase system water-kerosene. Parameters such as the axial dispersion coefficient, the total hold-up, the hold-up profile and the characteristic velocity were measured at various flow rates and rotor speeds. A comparison of the experimental results and values predicted from several correlations is reported. Some modifications for the calculation of the total hold-up and the hold-up profiles are suggested. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.