Abstract Abstract The height equivalent to a theoretical stage (HETS) is estimated using one correlation to describe behavior for reciprocating speeds below the optimum point and a second expression to estimate HETS values for reciprocating speeds above it. These two equations are then combined to yield a generalized expression that is applicable in both regions and which can be used to predict the minimum HETS and the optimum reciprocating speed. The observed dependence on the operating parameters and the physical properties of the liquid/liquid system generally agree with those observed in HETS correlations for pulse columns.