A process for producing char and single phase tar which is heavier than water comprises heating coal particles in a fluidized bed to a temperature not greater than 900 F. (482 C.) to evolve tarry vapours into a space above the bed, heating the vapours in the space to a .temperature in the range 50 to 350 F. above the bed temperature, and not less than 950 F., removing the heated vapours from the space and condensing them, and removing char particles from the bed. The apparatus is similar to that described in Specification 926,213, and includes means for treating the tar, blending it with the calcined char and making briquettes which are cured and coked, and differs from the earlier apparatus only in having means for discharging char fines from the carbonizer to a receiver, and in having an inlet for air to the space above the bed, for partial combustion of the vapours therein. Alternatively or in addition, excess air or oxygen may be supplied to the base of the bed to provide the oxygen for vapour combustion. The coal may be predried, and two fluidized beds may be employed in series, e.g. the first at 600 to 800 F. and the second at 900 F.
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