In this paper, an attempt is made to shed light on the relationship between particle characteristics and the complex mechanism of the filtration/dewatering operations of fine coal. The effects of particle segregation, particle and pore sizes as well as air bubbles were studied micrographically. These results were compatible with those obtained from dynamic and equilibrium experiments on Pittsburgh-Bruceton coal. A three-dimensional network model is utilized to simulate the characteristics of coal filter cakes. The model could predict both equilibrium and dynamic properties of filter cakes, including the moisture content and cake permeabilities, under different operating conditions.