Direct observation of transient swelling and shrinkage behavior of raw coals and processed coals was conducted by using a digital camera with a long focus lens, and quantitative description of swelling and shrinkage was resulted from subsequent image processing. The results showed that the raw and processed coals in pyrolysis behaved differently. The shrinkage of the processed coals was quite different, the maximum volumetric shrinkage ratio at 1000 degrees C as in the range of 32-38% with swelling ratios less than 5%, and the volumetric swelling ratio increased and the shrinkage ratio decreased with the increase of coal sample density. The maximum volumetric swelling ratio of the raw coals was more prominent than those of the processed coals. The raw coal A(2) showed a maximum swelling ratio of 20-85% and the raw coal B-2 showed a maximum swelling ratio of 25-45%. The volumetric swelling ratios decreased and the shrinkage increased with the decrease of the sample size. It is considered that the different pyrolysis behaviors were mainly due to the variation in their macroscopic structures. However, the similar swelling and shrinkage curves of coal samples were observed for the same raw or processed coals. In addition, the effect of volatile matter on the volumetric shrinkage ratios would be weakened if the raw coal was crushed into powder and then pressed into processed coal samples. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the structure of coke after pyrolysis was also different. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.