sock loading

Method of pouring catalyst particles into a reactor where the particles are allowed to fall down a long cloth bag (the sock) that is open at the bottom onto the growing catalyst bed; the friction of the sock slows the fall of the particles and thus is less likely to fracture them than pouring directly through open air from above. Sock loading also allows a technician to load the reactor more evenly by directing the catalyst particles back and forth across the bed rather than allowing a conical pile to form.