Abstract: An improved apparatus for the simultaneous crushing and drying of materials, such as coal with high moisture content, which includes a hammermill having parallel top inlets for the material and a rapid flow of hot air. The material drops into the impactor circle of the hammermill prior to any substantial mixing with the flow of hot air. The flow of hot air is selectively directed into the crushing chamber, behind the breaker plates or in parallel to both locations, to dry the material during crushing. A substantially unobstructed bottom outlet permits high flow rates through the apparatus. A method of crushing and drying high moisture content material is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the simultaneous crushing and drying of materials, such as coal with high moisture content, which includes a .[.hammermill.]. .Iadd.crusher .Iaddend.having parallel top inlets for the material and a rapid flow of hot air. The material drops into the .[.impactor.]. .Iadd.impact .Iaddend.circle of the .[.hammermill.]. .Iadd.crusher .Iaddend.prior to any substantial mixing with the flow of hot air. The flow of hot air is selectively directed into the crushing chamber, behind the breaker plates or in parallel to both locations, to dry the material during crushing. A substantially unobstructed bottom outlet permits high flow rates through the apparatus. A method of crushing and drying high moisture content material is also disclosed.