Abstract: A method of loading a granulated solid into a vessel having a containment zone for the granulated solid. The method comprises providing in a bottom portion of the containment zone a first substantially vertical rigid columnar portion having a horizontal cross section large enough to accommodate an operative's body. Support means is associated with the substantially vertical rigid columnar portion. Granulated solid is charged into the containment zone under control of the operative so as to distribute granulated solid around the substantially vertical rigid columnar portion. A further substantially vertical rigid columnar portion having a similar horizontal cross section to that of the first columnar portion is positioned on top of the first columnar portion. These steps are repeated a sufficient number of times until the desired amount of granulated solid has been charged to the containment zone.

Abstract: A process for use in equilibrium exothermic gas phase reactions comprising the steps of (a) providing a recycle stream with the addition of make-up gas, to form a feed gas stream; (b) heating the feed gas stream; (c) passing the heated feed gas stream to a first reactor containing a catalyst for the exothermic gas phase reactions at conditions suitable for the reaction; (d) removing a product stream comprising product and unreacted gases from the first reactor; (e) cooling and partially condensing the product stream to form a gas phase and a liquid phase; (f) separating the liquid phase containing the desired product from the product stream and removing said liquid phase; (g) separating the gas phase from the product stream to form a gas stream; (h) optionally mixing the gas stream from the product stream with additional make-up gas; (i) heating the gas stream; (j) passing the heated gas stream to a final reactor containing a catalyst for the exothermic gas phase reactions at conditions suitable for the react