Industrial vacuums are capable of picking up large quantities of material and/or liquids.  They can be portable devices or part of a central vacuum system. Typically, industrial vacuums are powered by electricity, gasoline, diesel, or compressed air. They are available in many different configurations. Types range from single-operator units such as backpack vacuums, ride-on vacuums, and canister vacuums to industrial vacuum loaders and industrial vacuum trucks. Industrial vacuums use four basic systems for vacuum production: regenerative, turbine, centrifugal and positive displacement (PD). Separation systems can be bag-type units or cartridge-type units, and cyclone or centrifugal separators. 

There are several unit types of industrial vacuums: backpack, central vacuum system, portable or pedestrian unit, ride-on unit, stationary unit, and vehicle transport. A backpack vacuum is a self-contained unit that is designed to be worn on the back of an operator. Central vacuum systems (CVS) define the package of tubes, wall inlets, and accessories connected to a vacuum power unit to collect dust and other elements. Portable vacuums are designed to be moved by the operator during use. This category includes walk-behind and canister vacuums. Heavy-duty ride-on vacuums are usually designed to carry one operator.  They can be used with indoor or outdoor applications. Stationary industrial vacuums are wall-mounted or floor-mounted units that are designed for one or more operators. Large, vehicle transport units are designed to be moved by a vehicle. They can be trailer-mounted or truck-mounted. 

Specifications for industrial vacuums include system power, airflow, and vacuum pressure; maximum number of inlets or operators; the storage capacity of bins, hoppers, or tanks; the minimum particle size that devices are capable of filtering; and end-use applications. System power is specified in horsepower and indicates the power of the motor. Airflow refers to the velocity of the air stream created. Vacuum pressure is commonly referred to as static pressure (SP) or water lift. In vacuum systems, vacuum pressure is used in discussions of pressure differential across a filter media. Some industrial vacuums are capable of filtering dry media. Others can filter wet media. In terms of applications, industrial vacuums can be used with abrasives, coolants and oil mist, explosive media, fine powders, general cleaning, litter pick-up, non-free flowing media, metalworking chips and fluids, reclaiming and recycling, spill recovery, toxic media, and welding fumes. 

Industrial vacuums differ in terms of features such as cleanroom suitability, duty cycle, and filtering. A cleanroom vacuum is designed specifically for cleanroom applications. Continuous duty industrial vacuums are rated for 100% duty cycle (constant use). High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are replaceable, extended-media, dry-type filters in a rigid frame. They have a minimum particle collective efficiency of 99.97 percent for a 0.3 micron particle, and a maximum clean filter pressure drop of 2.54 cm (1 in.) water gauge when tested at rated air flow capacity.  Ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filters are extended-media, dry filters that are mounted in a rigid frame. They have a minimum particle collection efficiency of 99.999 percent for particles greater than or equal to .12 micron in size.