A process vessel includes a body defining an interior vessel surface and a
fixed catalyst bed in the body. A retainer is provided on the fixed
catalyst bed to retain the fixed catalyst bed in position. The retainer
defines at least one trapping formation at or in close proximity to the
interior vessel surface above the fixed bed catalyst to trap solid
objects whirled around in an annular zone above the fixed catalyst bed by
fluid passing through the vessel, which whirling solid objects can erode
the interior vessel surface in the annular zone.