An improved hot gas filter candle is disclosed including an increase density flange portion adjacent the top of the filter for improving candle service life when the candle is mounted on a tube sheet. The area of flange densification is extended to a position beyond the bottom of the tube sheet. During vibration or swaying of the candle only the denser portion of the candle may impinge on the edge of the tube sheet aperture on which the candle is mounted Further, the denser portion of the candle is not so porous as to draw dirty particles into the clearance between the candle and the tube sheet aperture creating an area of increased stress in the candle adjacent the bottom of the tube sheet aperture.