Valve trays column design for gas treatment still relies on empirical correlations developed on pilot units. The available correlations lead to large discrepancies and thus more experimental works are needed. The present hydrodynamic study was carried out on a Plexiglas 1.26 m per 0.1905 m absorption column containing four V-4 Glitsch valve trays. Water/air system was used at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. Liquid rate per weir unit length was varied between 3.2 x 10(-3) m(3).(m.s)(-1) and 24.3 x 10(-3) m(3).(m.s)(-1) and the kinetic gas factor between 0 and 3.5 Pa-0.5. The following hydrodynamic parameters were determined: tray pressure drop, valves pressure drop, clear liquid height, mean emulsion height and liquid mean hold up on the tray. Correlations for clear liquid height, liquid mean hold up and emulsion height are proposed. Emulsion profiles characterisation was possible due to video records post-processing. Four different behaviours are identified for emulsion profiles according to liquid and gas velocities. Significant behaviour changes on the hydrodynamic parameters allowed the identification of three system limits: dumping, weeping and pre-flooding. Correlations are proposed for these limits and an operational diagram is presented. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.