Abstract: Method and apparatus for the uniform dense pack filling of particles of a solid catalyst (6) in a tubular reactor, of the type comprising a plurality of vertical tubes (2) opening at their upper end at the surface of a tube plate, which connects them together and is substantially parallel to them, and having above the tube plate, a system for the uniform distribution in a falling rain of the particles of catalyst, the improvement including:an initial cylindrical wall adapted to rest around and above the tube plate, andcylindrical walls of successively smaller diameters (formed from the initial wall or separately) being also adapted to rest in succession on the tube plate in order to separate the tubes then currently completely filled with catalyst from the tubes not completely filled.

Abstract: A process for the uniform distribution of a comminuted solid in an enclosure into which the solid falls essentially vertically onto a mobile mechanism (particularly useful for charging catalyst particles to a reactor vessel) comprising deflector elements rotated around the same shaft and disposed on at least two vertically displaced levels. On each level is provided the same number of deflector elements of essentially identical shape, the deflector elements on the different levels being vertically disposed exactly above each other and, on each level, the deflector elements are rotated at the same speed so as to remain disposed vertically with respect to each other during the entire charging process.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading an enclosure with particulate solids includes a loading hopper, a discharge chute (integral with the hopper), and a movable member disposed below the outlet opening of the chute. The movable member includes a shaft driven in rotation by a motor and flexible, moderately hard deflecting strips, which are articulated to the shaft or to a structure rigidly integral with the shaft, so as to spread out from the shaft at an angle by the effect of centrifugal force when driven in rotation. At least one discharge opening is provided in the side wall of the hopper and/or of the chute in the direction of the rotating deflecting strips.

Abstract: Apparatus for distribution of particulate matter in a tank or similar enclosure, comprising a feed hopper, a discharge conduit integral with the hopper, a motor-driven rotating shaft disposed axially of the outlet opening of the conduit, and downstream of said outlet opening is at least one fairly soft deflecting means carried on the shaft and articulated thereto so as to diverge angularly by the effect of the centrifugal force when driven in rotation. The apparatus is for use particularly in charging a chemical reactor with catalyst particles and in the storage of grains in silos.