Abstract: The distribution of liquid phase in a packed column was predicted by using a dispersion model with new boundary conditions. The parameters in the theoretical model were determined experimentally in a packed column of one meter diameter over a wide range of packing depths and liquid loadings. The experimental results agreed closely with the theoretical prediction. ln addition, by using tracer technique in a laser-optical fiber testing system, the mean residence time of liquid phase and its distribution in the experimental column were measured. Such mean residence time distribution curves were used to analyse the flow characteristics of liquid in the packed column.