This study focuses on optimizing the flow field uniformity within a vertical honeycomb wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP), which is a critical prerequisite for achieving high particulate removal efficiency. For a vertical honeycomb WESP with an air capacity of 25,000 m³/h, the internal flow field is optimized by adjusting the opening ratio and aperture ratio of the airflow equalizing plate, installing additional deflector plates, and adding additional airflow equalizing plates at strategic locations. The optimization reduces the velocity relative standard deviation at the anode inlet section to 0.14. Through 1:1-scale equipment construction and testing, the particle concentration at the outlet is stabilized below 10 mg/Nm³, with an average removal efficiency of 95.88%—a 5.7% improvement over the original model. This study solves the design dependency on empirical guidance for vertical honeycomb WESP in the food industry, providing a green technology paradigm for low-carbon industrial emissions.

This study focuses on the application of vertical honeycomb wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) in food processing and animal feed production industries, addressing sustainable development challenges in industrial air pollution control. For a vertical honeycomb wet electrostatic precipitator with an air capacity of 25000 m³/h, the internal flow field is optimized by adjusting the aperture rate and aperture ratio of the airflow equalizing plate, installing additional deflector plates, and adding additional airflow equalizing plates from multiple perspectives. The optimization reduces the velocity relative standard deviation at the anode inlet section to 0.14. Through 1:1 scale equipment construction and testing, the particle concentration at the outlet is stabilized below 10 mg/Nm³, with an average removal efficiency of 95.88%—a 5.7% improvement over the original model. The optimized WESP demonstrates reduced energy consumption by 15%, water recycling efficiency ≥95%, and material recyclability of 90%, aligning with global sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study solves the design dependency on empirical guidance for vertical honeycomb WESP in the food industry, providing a green technology paradigm for low-carbon industrial emissions.