Abstract: Apparatus and method for the adsorption in sorption filters of impurities from a stream of air or gas and for the desorption of the impurities by an inert gas after the filter is charged to a predetermined level, in which the sorption filter is a ring layer filter with a container surrounding a sorption medium layer composed of concentric perforated metal sheets with an adsorption medium disposed in between, in the form of cylindrical rings. An outer jacket surrounds the container with a gap therebetween through which coolant flows. Near the top of the gap are discharge openings closed by louvers which open automatically upon increase in pressure in the cooling gap.