A coal dryer that depends on a mass of particles being fluidized by passing a stream of hot air through it. As a result of the fluidization, intense turbulence is created in the mass, including a rapid drying action. The dry coal is withdrawn from the opposite side of the chamber. Fine particles in the feed become entrained in the air and are recovered in a cyclone, while the finest particles may need removal by dry filters or wet scrubbers. The dryer has a high capacity and many are in use in the United States.