Flow simulations in a random sphere packing are used to investigate particulate filtration processes. The local wall shear stress is used to calculate an angular dependent distribution for particle detachment. Simulations of particle deposition by interceptions yield the angular dependent number of impacts. The results from particle detachment calculations and the interception analysis are combined to estimate local particle deposition rates, employing probabilities for detachment and impact. Comparison with X-ray computer tomography of deposited particles within a sphere packing shows good agreement. Therefore, the presented simulation procedure can be used for the design of, e.g., particle filtration apparatus. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.