Abstract: A loading apparatus for bulk material includes a loading tube having a longitudinal axis, an outer tube surface, an inner tube surface and a material discharge end; a deflection body having an outer body surface and being arranged generally coaxially with the loading tube at the material discharge end thereof. The deflection body is situated partially inside and partially outside of the loading tube. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface together define an annular channel surrounding the longitudinal axis. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface each has a terminal peripheral portion together defining a circumferential, deflecting and accelerating duct forming part of the annular channel and terminating in an annular outlet slot surrounding the longitudinal axis. The terminal peripheral portion of the outer body surface is oriented away from the longitudinal axis such as to effect a radially outward flow of the bulk material from the loading tube.