In this study, we develop the spatial filtering velocimetry (SFV) technique to measure the velocity distribution of small spherical and irregular particle flows using a linear CCD camera. In addition, energy barycentre correction algorithm is used to enhance the measurement accuracy. A constantly running conveyor belt is used to test the accuracy of this SW system. Furthermore, the velocity distributions of the spherical and irregular particle flows in a rotating drum are measured to demonstrate the usability of this method in a granular system. We further discuss the effect of the key system parameters on the results of the measurement, and the optimal thresholds of the parameters are given in this paper. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.