This study investigates the feasibility of applying a pilot-scale cross-flow rotating packed bed (RPB) to absorb volatile organics compounds (VOCs) from waste gas streams. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was used as a model VOC herein. The overall volumetric gas-side mass transfer coefficient (K(G)a) was determined at various values of operating parameters including rotor speed, gas flow rate and liquid flow rate. The results demonstrated that a cross-flow RPB can yield the K(G)a values of about 81-165 1/s, corresponding to a removal efficiency of 95% at a gas flow rate ranged from 150 to 300 m(3)/h, indicating that the mass transfer efficiency of a cross-flow RPB is greater than that of a countercurrent-flow RPB. Consequently, a cross-flow RPB is an effective absorber for removing VOCs from waste gas streams. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.