A method and an apparatus are disclosed for removing a solvent from a solvent wetted surface of a heat exchange tube. The method includes placing the heat exchange tube in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber to a lower pressure at which the solvent boils to a vapor, and reclaiming the solvent vapor. The method may include heating the heat exchange tube within the vacuum chamber to a temperature of at least room temperature, but below the solvent's flash point temperature. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum chamber and a solvent reclaimer for recovering solvent vapor. The apparatus may also include an infrared heater, a radiant heater or other non-flame heater. The method and apparatus may be used for removing solvent from a heat exchange tube having an inside surface wetted with a solvent carrying a dry lubricant.