Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a mould including a first and a second part into a dosing position. The apparatus includes a reorientation conveyor portion comprising first and second opposed retainer members. At least one of the first and second retainer members includes a conveyor. The first and second retainer members are operable to form a separation therebetween and the reorientation conveyor portion is operable to receive the mould into the separation between the first and second retainer members with the first and second retainer members in a first orientation and then move the first and second retainer members into a second orientation while substantially maintaining the first part of the mould in the same position relative to the second part of the mould. The apparatus further includes a mould-separation portion. The reorientation conveyor portion is operable to at least partially eject the mould into the mould-separation portion when the first and second retainer members are in the second orientation.

Abstract: A packing member for use in a packed bed, preferably a support for use as a catalyst support in a packed bed reactor. The packing member includes ceramic material and has a geometric surface area per volume of ?0.7 cm2/cm3 and a side crush strength of ?250 kgf; or a geometric surface area per volume of ?1.5 cm2/cm3 and a side crush strength of ?150 kgf; or a geometric surface area per volume of ?3 cm2/cm3 and a side crush strength of ?60 kgf. The packing member optionally has a porosity of at least 6%, such as at least 15% or at least 20%.