In this study, a two-region physical model was used to quantitatively estimate axial dispersion in pulsed-plate extraction columns, considering the operating conditions, geometry parameters and the physical properties of the experimental system. The calculated results fit the experimental axial dispersion coefficients well in nine geometries of pulsed-plate columns. This model is of importance to the design and scale-up of pulsed-plate extraction columns. (C) 2009 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.