Abstract: Apparatus for drying web materials is disclosed, including a drum, means for supplying steam under pressure to the interior of the drum, passage means extending axially in a portion of the outer drum wall and through one of its end walls for removing condensed steam formed within the drum therefrom, groove means extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the cylindrical drum for collecting condensed steam and supplying it to the passage means, throttle means outside of the end wall, vacuum condensing means under reduced pressures for condensing steam carried by the condensate, and discharge conduit means connecting the throttle means to the vacuum condensing means, the throttle means being adapted to provide a pressure drop between the passage means and the discharge conduit.