A method using an optical mouse sensor was developed to monitor the moving velocity of a solid mass. Calibration was carried out using a rotating plate. Results clarified that the developed method is useful to monitor the velocity up to some limit (v < 0.3 m/s), which depends on the optical mouse sensor used. A solid circulation rate in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) was measured using this method. Results obtained using this method show agreement with those of visual observations. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.