PURPOSE: To solve problems of spontaneous ignition and hanging of stored coal and streamline the operation by properly operating a recycle line with a cooler.

CONSTITUTION: A carry-out line 11 normally moves in the direction of the arrow a. Coal delivered from individual silos 5W10 is carried to a production line through conveying lines 11 and 12. When the carry-out of coal is not necessary on the production line side, the carry-out line moves in the direction of the arrow b. The coal delivered from each silo is returned to an infeed hopper 1 through a recycle line 13 and charged again into the silos through a carry-in line and a carry-in device 4. The coal returned to the infeed hopper 1 is cooled with a cooler 14 provided in the course of the recycle line 13. Thus, the conditions of the coal for spontaneous ignitions and hanging is the same as those for fresh coal.