A suspension-type dryer that employs the principle of flash drying of fine coal. The coal is transported vertically through a drying column in a stream of hot gases. The source of heat for this system is usually an automatic stoker. In this system, the hot gases are drawn into the drying column by the action of the fan connected to the cyclone collector 2562 vent. The coal to be dried is continuously introduced to the hot gas stream. Virtually instantaneous drying occurs. The dried coal and the moisture-laden gases are drawn into the cyclone collector. The dry coal drops to the bottom of the collector and the moistureladen gases are discharged by the fan to the atmosphere.