Abstract: A web of solvent bearing material is passed through a series of spaced apart solvent stripping slots while at the same time gas streams are sucked through the slots to float the web in the slots and to strip solvent from the web. In a preferred embodiment the gas stream is heated before it enters the slots and the web is heated between slots to enhance and increase the vaporization rate of the solvent and the gas streams and solvent vapors leaving the slots are conveyed to a fractional condenser which condenses the solvent, and if the solvent is a solvent other than water, separates the water which might be present from the solvent, and collects the solvent for re-use. An improved drying apparatus is disclosed for maintaining a stable continuous partial vacuum upon the web passing through the apparatus while providing for both an upstream and a downstream flow of gas over said web.