An improved method of dewatering fine coal (-500 mum) by vacuum filtration was developed. Tests on a bench scale vacuum filter showed that when the applied vacuum was interrupted during the dewatering cycle, a lower final moisture content could be achieved. There was also an increase in the dewatering rate, as well as a lower breakthrough pressure. Further investigation showed that if the filter cake was intentionally damaged (causing for an increased air flow rate, and a decrease in applied vacuum), a product with lower final moisture and an increase in the dewatering rate was obtained. This led to the conclusion that increased air flow through a filter cake was more advantageous than an increase in the applied vacuum. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.