The trajectories of the particles in conical spouted beds are determined from the vertical component of velocity measured by means of an optical fibre probe and from the horizontal component of velocity calculated by solving the mass conservation equations for the solid in differential volume elements in spout and annular zones. From the experimental measurement of particle flow rate along the spout, the solid cross-flow rate from the annulus into the spout is determined. The effect of the operating variables on the solid circulation rate along the spout and on the vigorousness of the regime, which is characterized by the value of the average cycle time of the particles, is analysed by carrying out the operation with different values of the geometric factors of the contactor (angle and gas inlet diameter) and of the operating conditions (particle diameter, stagnant bed height and gas velocity).