In order to measure the residence time distribution (RTD) in continuous gas-solid processes tracer particles are used. In this contribution, a novel production concept for magnetizable particles has been developed and optimized. The process includes coating of a fraction of the investigated bed material with a magnetizable paint in a laboratory spouted bed. The coated particles fulfill the requirements of tracer material, are resistant, harmless to health and reusable. After passing a continuously operated process, the tracer material can be separated by a magnetic rod from the sample, which allows the fast and easy calculation of the exit age distribution as demonstrated in this contribution with a horizontal fluidized bed. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.