Abstract: A method is provided for improving the sulfur capture potential of lime in the fluidized bed combustion of coal and for improving the flow characteristics of the feed coal therefor comprising collecting partially sulfated limestone particles from the fly ash of the flue gas from the fluidized bed combustor, and (a) retaining said particles in the flue gas stream, thereby hydrating said particles, and returning said particles to the combustor; or (b) mixing said partially sulfated limestone particles with wet coal thereby drying said coal and simultaneously hydrating unreacted calcium oxide to form calcium hydroxide, and recycling said mixture of dry crushed coal and calcium hydroxide into said fluidized bed combustor; or (c) introducing wet coal in the flue gas upstream from said collected particles, thereby providing moisture to hydrate said particles, and returning said hydrated particles to the combustor.