This study deals with the performance of a randomly packed distillation column depending on the effective vapor-liquid interfacial area (a(e)) and the flood ratio (Fl). Optimum conditions have been interpreted analytically using the proposed a. model for random packings and the flood ratio (Fl) from the Eckert model. Capacity and efficiency data obtained for a Raschig-type ceramic ring are used to establish the basis to the model reliability in terms of a statistical log-ratio objective function. An example of scaling-up of a pilot plant with respect to the resulting statistical factors is elucidated. Some aspects of selection of an appropriate packed column design algorithm are discussed.