The physical absorption of styrene into water/silicone oil systems at a constant flow rate for mixtures of different compositions (silicone oil volume fraction phi = 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) was investigated in laboratory-scale bubble reactors using a dynamic absorption method. Experimental results previously analyzed assuming no contact between gas and silicone oil [10] were reconsidered by applying the "equivalent absorption capacity" concept characterized by the value of the styrene partition coefficient between air and the mixture (H-mix). The results indicate that silicone oil addition slightly hinders the styrene mass transfer rate compared to the air/water system. Moreover, a dramatic decrease in K(L)a values due to silicone oil addition is observed. In comparison with similar measurements available in the literature, it is noted that this decrease in K(L)a value could be related to the change in the partition coefficient ratio m(R) = H-water/H-oil. Two explanations concerning the relationship between the change in a hydrodynamic parameter (K(L)a) and that in a thermodynamic parameter (m(R)) are proposed. Finally, it appears questionable to study the change in K(L)a in terms of silicone oil addition. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.