Method for loading finely divided particulate matter into a vessel

A method for forming a fixed-bed of catalyst particles which is subsequently contacted by a reactant feedstock comprising in the absence of a reactant feedstock,

• a. loading finely divided catalyst particulate matter having a diameter from about one sixty-fourth to about one-half inch into a reactor vessel having said fixed-bed for the purpose of increasing the packing density of said fixed-bed and without fluidizing said particulate matter which comprises the following steps:
• b. introducing said finely divided particulate matter into the upper portion of said vessel uniformly across said vessel's cross-section at a particle flux of from about 300 to about 1,000 lb/hr-ft.sup.2 ;
• c. introducing an inert, non-reactant fluid medium uniformly across said vessel's cross-section and counter-current to the flow of said finely divided particulate matter and at a rate insufficient to fluidize said particulate matter;
• d. adjusting the flow of said fluid medium to continuously maintain a constant velocity differential between said fluid medium and the falling finely divided particulate matter which velocity differential is at least as great as the free-fall terminal velocity of said finely divided particulate matter.