Device for loading a tube with particulate material

摘要

A device (1) for filling a tube (6) with particulate material comprises fall-cushioning elements (3) in the form of a particle-permeable lattice structure (4) mounted on a support (2) for insertion into the tube. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) filling a vertical tube with particulate material by inserting a device as above through the top of the tube so that the lowest cushioning element does not contact the bottom of the tube, and withdrawing the tube against the direction of fall of the particles during filling; and (2) an optical monitoring device comprising an optical fiber with a converging lens and optionally a light source at its entrance and a receiver connected to its exit, where the device has fall-cushioning elements as above.