PURPOSE: To prevent the scattering of a very small amount of solvent and water droplets or white smoke at the time of beginning of adsorption by a method wherein steam within an an adsorption tank is discharged through a reflux condenser to carry out the removal of water and the cooling of an adsorption layer while passing carrier gas through the adsorption tank after the completion of desorption stage with steam.

CONSTITUTION: Between a decanter 10 and a reflux condenser 7 arranged in a solvent recovery system there are provided a sealed tank 9 and a shut-off valve 15. An exhaust blower 13 is connected to the tank 9. An inert gas-introducing pipe 17 is provided at the upper part of adsorption tank 2, 2'. When the adsorption tank 2 continues adsorption stage and the adsorption tank 2' has completed desorption stage, a desorption steam valve 4 is closed and an adsorption exhaust-gas valve 3' is opened to start the exhaust blower 13. Air at normal temperature is introduced through the valve 3' into the adsorption tank 2' to entrain water of adsorption layer tank 2' to entrain water of adsorption layer in the air. The air together with the entrained water is tranferred from a discharge valve 5' to the reflux condenser 7. Condensed water is separated and fed to the sealed tank 9 and air is discharged from the blower 13.