A bubbling countercurrent multistage fluidized-bed reactor for the sorption of sulfur dioxide by hydrated lime particles was simulated employing a two-phase model, with the bubble phase assumed to be in plug flow and with the emulsion phase either in plug flow (EGPF model) or in perfectly mixed flow (EGPM model). The model calculations were compared with experimental data in term of percentage removal efficiency of sulfur dioxide. Both models were applied to understand the influence of operating parameters on the reactor performance. The comparison showed that the EGPF model agreed well with the experimental data. From the perspective of use of a multistage fluidized-bed reactor as air pollution control equipment in industry, the model could be considered general enough for predicting the performance of reactors for gas-solid treatment.