Abstract: The device for drying coal comprises a plurality of damping vessels wherein the coal is pre-heated by means of steam and/or hot water, thereupon damped in a second stage, and finally pressure-released. The several damping vessels 1-17 are combined to form groups. Each of these groups is provided with a common group conduit 18 conveying live steam for damping, with a common group conduit 19 conveying wet steam from vessels for overflowing other vessels, and with a common group conduit 20 conveying hot water for rinsing. Over the damping vessels 1-17, there are provided distribution conduits which extend over all groups and which are conveying live steam 38, wet steam for overflowing 39, and hot water for rinsing 40. The group conduits 18,19,20 are connectable via valves 41,42,43 to the distribution conduits 38,39,40. Thus it is possible to include selectively into the procedure of any group any vessel of another group or the additional vessel 17 (FIG. 1).