The invention relates to a lignite-drying and quality-improving process for preparing superheated steam from waste heat steam. The process comprises the following operation steps of: firstly, providing a heat source for a heat energy device for preparing the superheated steam from the waste heat steam by using high-temperature flue gas produced by a hot-blast stove; secondly, recycling, purifying and refining waste heat steam produced by a normally-running energy-saving cylindrical lignite-drying and quality-improving device; thirdly, preparing high-temperature superheated steam by using the heat energy device for preparing the superheated steam from the waste heat steam; fourthly, drying wet-based lignite and improving quality by using the energy-saving cylindrical lignite-drying and quality-improving device; and finally, recycling the waste heat steam produced in a drying process by the recycling, purifying and refining steps. The process uses the waste heat steam to dry the lignite and has the characteristics of reasonable design and simple, convenient and smooth route. The device has the characteristics of optimized design, compact structure, small floor area, a small amount of investment, low running cost, high yield, large dehydrating range, safe running, energy conservation, capability of saving power, lowering consumption and reducing emission, wide application range of quality-improved lignite and the like.