A simple and relatively inexpensive method is described for measuring the rate and extent of the reaction of coal with hydrogen under conditions of commercial interest. A thin layer of pulverized coal is supported on an electrically heated metal screen strip capable of initial heating rates of 600–12 000°C/sec followed by extended time at final temperatures of 400–200°C. The device is enclosed in a vessel designed for hydrogen pressures up to 205 atm. Typical results are illustrated and shown to compare favorably with data from previous investigations.