Vacuum unloading system is normally used to convey a product from one point to another, such as from a drum to a mixer or storage vessel. It normally uses a pickup device such as a wand, a vacuum receiver, discharge valve, and receiving vessel. Unloading from several points to one destination can also be accomplished by using multiple pickup devices, such as wands, car adaptors or other inlets. Pickups can be portable by the use of a vacuum hose with the required pickup device.

Vacuum valves are engineered to optimize conductance, to operate in a wide variety of applications, and to operate with a minimum of moving parts. This reduces wear and particle generation, which contributes to its performance and reliability. These valves are used when a vacuum must be maintained in a closed system. These are used to control gas flow into a chamber, isolate, vent, provide relief or control conductance.