The loading state of a flighted rotary drum strongly affects its overall performance. Hence, assessing the optimum (design) loading needed is a critical issue. In the present work experiments were carried out to assess the optimum loading of a batch rotary drum (0.5 m diameter and 0.15 m length) furnished with rectangular flights. Different solid materials (free flowing), rotational speeds (from 1 to 5 rpm) and flight tangential/radial length ratios (0.375 and 0.75) were researched. The experimental work mainly relied on recording videos in front of the drum at different operating conditions. Then by means of image analysis tools the results were drawn. Two methods of image analysis were used and compared: manual and automated with many advantages over the methods previously found in literature. However some problems were found when applying the automated method on the current experimental work images. Indicating that a new experimental technique should be developed in the future to facilitate both manual and automated methods. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.