Abstract: A downcomer for a plate column, which is largely centrally symmetrically formed with respect to an axis pointing in the column direction, having: a) a run-out aperture which is located within an overflow weir and which contains at least one of: deflection elements, and elements on the overflow weir, for an inflowing liquid/gas mixture for the development of a circular flow; b) a passage part which leads downward; and (c) a cup which is provided at the lower end of the passage part for accumulating the liquid flowing away. The cup contains a plurality of apertures which are designed and arranged in such a manner that a largely uniform distribution of the liquid flowing away results.