The influence of ash bridging on the temperature distribution of the ceramic filters of a demonstration-scale filter vessel is analyzed. The Reynolds stress turbulence model of FLUENT T code is used to study the gas flow behavior inside the filter vessel. Particle equations of motions are employed, and transport and deposition of the micron-size aerosols are studied. Computational results predict that ash bridging leads to a non-uniform temperature distribution along the ceramic candle filters in the bridging region. The analyses of ash bridging deposition on the internal surfaces of the filter show that the absence of ash bridging tends to promote the deposition of particles of 10 mu m on the surfaces. (c) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden and Society of Powder Technology, Japan, 2008.