With the method a fluid (4) is fed into an apparatus (1), in particular into a column, in which an infeed tube (2) for the fluid opens into a deflection unit (3). This deflection unit is arranged at a vertical distance from installations (10), in particular a column packing. Two partial flows (41, 42) are formed in the deflection unit which flow largely mirror symmetrically along an inner wall of the apparatus (1) and then, after a reunion, form a backwardly moving flow (44), the horizontal velocity component of which is directed radially to the deflection unit. At least one third partial flow (43) is formed by the deflection unit which is directed radially and oppositely with respect to the backwardly moving flow of the reunited partial flows. The third partial flow is developed so strongly that the backwardly moving flow is largely prevented from flowing through the column center.