An optical measuring technique is presented allowing the exact in-situ measurement of local particle flux densities in a confined channel flow by counting single particles penetrating an optically well defined measuring volume. This enables a precise flux determination up to the direct vicinity of planar walls. The measurement set-up and its calibration as well as the whole test facility are described in detail. This measurement technique is used to study the particle transport in electrostatic precipitators. Exemplarily, results of particle flux profiles as well as precipitation, as gained from balances of parts of the precipitator channel, are presented. Furthermore, the possibility to determine particle velocity fluctuations is demonstrated.