Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve for drying industrial barrels (60). The industrial barrels (60) are positioned on an inclined base (12, 20) and are enclosed by a pressure-tight vacuum hood (30). A suction pipe (40) that is connected with the vacuum hood (30) extends through a bunghole (63) provided in the tilted barrel (60) at its lowest point (71) where the residual liquid quantity (70) gathers. A heating rod (55) is arranged inside the suction pipe (40). The suction pipe (40) is connected to a vacuum pump (48). The heated suction pipe (40) removes from the interior of the barrel (60) at first die liquid residual liquid quantity (70), and then the vaporizing residual liquid. Compared with conventional methods, using hot steam for drying, this method leads to cost savings and an improved drying effect (FIG. 1 ).