New experimental method to measure solid descending velocity in a vertical downcomer was presented and effects of downcomer diameter and particle properties on descending velocities for Geldart group A, B, and D particle have been measured and investigated. The effect of initial solid inventory on solid descending velocity was negligible. However, solid flow rate, solid circulation rate and solid descending velocity increased as the downcomer diameter increased. Moreover, solid descending velocity increased linearly as the downcomer diameter increased and showed distinguishable trend for Geldart group D particle from Geldart group A and B particles. Empirical correlations of solid descending velocity for Geldart group D and Geldart group A and B particles have been derived based on the measured values. The correlations could predict well the solid descending velocities.