Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dewatering particulate coal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a trough having a sump extending longitudinally at the bottom thereof. The trough is mounted on coil springs and an eccentric weight vibratory drive unit acts to convey the mixture of coal and water down said trough. The sump is designed so that a portion of the coal passing down the trough circulates through said sump. The depth of the sump is substantially greater than the capillary rise of water, and the coal thus acts to draw capillary water from the coal supported above in the trough. The coal slowly circulates through the sump in order to avoid the build up of fines therein which would clog the drainage paths through the sump. The sump includes an underlying screen to allow the water to drain therefrom.