Membrane fouling can be divided into reversible (removable, irremovable) and irreversible fouling based on the attachment strength of particles to the membrane surface. Removable fouling caused by loosely attached foulants can be eliminated by physical cleaning, whereas irremovable fouling can be eliminated by chemical cleaning Formation of a strong matrix of fouling layer with the solute during a continuous filtration process will result in reversible fouling being transformed into an irreversible fouling layer. Irreversible fouling is the strong attachment of particles which cannot be removed by physical or chemical cleaning. The cleaning procedure must be adapted to the type of substances responsible for fouling in each application, reducing the amount of irreversible fouling. However, identifying the foulants can be difficult, as the amount of material deposited on the membrane surface is usually small.