**Clogging**

The clogging phenomenon (**Figure 8**) occurs when dissolved or suspended matter is deposited on the outer surface or inside the pores [43]. Due to clogging, the performance of the membrane decreases [45].

Upon contact between the membrane and the particles of the solution, a reversible or irreversible modification of the membrane was caused [40]. After this modification, the membrane needs to be replaced or cleaned [45].

The clogging mechanisms are linked to:


In view of the nature of the sealant, we can distinguish the type of plugging:


The clogging reduces the flow of water at constant pressure, so a cleaning of the clogged membrane must be applied in order to recover its initial characteristics.

Clogging is a function of:


**Figure 8.** *Clogging mechanisms [44].*

