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Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling solid particles into a vertical tube by conveying the particles downwardly into the tube along a loading tool that softens the fall of the particles and provides even filling of the tube. The loading tool includes a center member and a plurality of dam

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling solid particles into a vertical tube by conveying the particles downwardly into the tube along a loading tool that softens the fall of the particles and provides even filling of the tube. The loading tool includes a center member and a plurality of damper members that can be adapted in particular cases to the actual type of particles and the tube diameter. The damper members can be stiff or flexible since they do not occupy a substantial portion of the cross section of the tube at any particular axial location. In operation, the center member can be jerked during the filling operation while simultaneously being lifted up gradually as the tube fills or it can be sequentially lifted. The damper members reduce the falling velocity of the particles and divert the particles from falling in straight downward paths. This avoids bridge formation and breakage of the particles during filling.

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The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for distributing solid particles into a tube, comprising: a center member; and a plurality of damper members connected to the center member, each one of the damper members forming a loop that extends in a radial direction away from the center member toward

The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for distributing solid particles into a tube, comprising: a center member; and a plurality of damper members connected to the center member, each one of the damper members forming a loop that extends in a radial direction away from the center member toward an inside diameter of the tube, wherein each of the plurality of damper members includes a locking portion that attaches a longitudinal member around the center member, and wherein the longitudinal member passes back through a section of the locking portion to form the loop. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center member comprises at least one of a wire, a chain, and a rod. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of damper members are made of plastic. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one damper member is rotationally distinct from adjacent damper members on both sides thereof. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a size of the loop is adjustable to accommodate the distribution of different sized solid particles. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the loop includes a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the center member. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of damper members are arranged on the center member to provide substantially circumferential coverage along a longitudinal length of the tube. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein individual ones of the plurality of damper members are axially spaced from one another along the center member. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the loop extends in a radial direction on substantially only one 180 degree radius of the center member such that the damper member itself lacks substantial coverage of a cross section of the tube. 10. A method for distributing solid particles into a tube comprising: positioning a loading tool in an interior of the tube, the loading tool having a center member and a plurality of damper members connected to the center member, each one of the damper members forming a loop that extends in a radial direction away from the center member toward an inside diameter of the tube, wherein each of the plurality of damper members includes a locking portion that attaches a longitudinal member around the center member, and wherein the longitudinal member passes back through a section of the locking portion to form the loop; filling the tube with the solid particles, wherein the solid particles contact at least some of the plurality of damper members; and removing the loading tool from the tube as the solid particles fill the tube. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising utilizing a sensor to communicate the position of a second portion of the center member to a first portion of the center member. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second portion of the center member is located at a lowest extremity of the center member. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the center member is located at an upper portion of the center member. 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising breaking the center member into sections as the loading tool is removed from the tube. 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising breaking the center member into sections at an eyelet and mating shackle within the center member as the loading tool is removed from the tube. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the center member comprises at least one of a wire, a chain, and a rod. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of damper members are made of plastic. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein removing the loading tool includes pulling the loading tool upwards between catalyst filling sequences without removing the loading tool during the catalyst filling sequences. 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the loop includes a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the center member. 20. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of damper members are arranged on the center member to provide substantially circumferential coverage along a longitudinal length of the tube. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein individual ones of the plurality of damper members are axially spaced from one another along the center member. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the loop extends in a radial direction on substantially only one 180 degree radius of the center member such that the damper member itself lacks substantial coverage of a cross section of the tube. 23. A method for distributing solid particles into a tube, comprising: positioning a loading tool in an interior of the tube, the loading tool having a center member and a plurality of damper members connected to the center member and arranged on the center member to provide substantially circumferential coverage along a longitudinal length of the tube, wherein individual ones of the plurality of damper members are axially spaced from one another along the center member and each one extends in a radial direction away from the center member toward an inside diameter of the tube on substantially only one 180 radius of the center member such that the damper member itself lacks substantial coverage of a cross section of the tube; filling the tube with the solid particles, wherein the solid particles contact the plurality of damper members; removing the loading tool from the tube as the solid particles fill the tube; breaking the center member into sections as the loading tool is removed from the tube; and utilizing a sensor to communicate the position of a second portion of the center member to a first portion of the center member. 24. A method for distributing solid particles into a tube, comprising: positioning a loading tool in an interior of the tube, the loading tool having a center member and a plurality of damper members connected to the center member and arranged on the center member to provide substantially circumferential coverage along a longitudinal length of the tube, wherein individual ones of the plurality of damper members are axially spaced from one another along the center member and each one extends in a radial direction away from the center member toward an inside diameter of the tube on substantially only one 180 radius of the center member such that the damper member itself lacks substantial coverage of a cross section of the tube; filling the tube with the solid particles, wherein the solid particles contact the plurality of damper members; removing the loading tool from the tube as the solid particles fill the tube; breaking the center member into sections at an eyelet and mating shackle within the center member as the loading tool is removed from the tube; and utilizing a sensor to communicate the position of a second portion of the center member to a first portion of the center member.