AbstractA formulation is developed and computed results are presented for flow maldistribution in two‐dimensional packed beds involving non‐isothermal systems. Results are shown for both, systems in cylindrical and rectangular coordinates and the examples discussed include the pasage of a two‐dimensional temperature wave through a packed bed of non‐uniform porosity and the examination of the flow maldistribution that is caused by the radial non‐uniformity of temperature.The results indicate that radial temperature profiles in packed beds may lead to flow maldistribution even under conditions where the porosity is uniform and it is suggested that this phenomenon may play an important role in the formation of