Cleanable surface filters are used as highly efficient separation devices for removing particles from gases in three major areas of application, viz. reduction of emissions, product recovery, and process gas purification. In order to utilize their excellent separating properties in processes where unfavorable operating conditions mean that competing kinds of separators have hitherto been used, filtering separators are undergoing constant development. This paper presents and discusses future-oriented developments from current work and completed plant in the three areas of ’modeling/computer simulation’, ’filter medium development’, and ’crude gas conditioning’.