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A fundamental study of microfiltration membrane fouling by emulsified oil was conducted using a combination of real-time visualization, force balance on a droplet, and permeate flux analysis. The model 0.1% v/v hexadecane-in-water emulsions contained sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.1 mM, 0.4 mM, or 0.8 mM) to regulate interfacial tension. Direct Observation Through the Membrane tests with Anopore (d pore= 0.2 µm) and track-etch (d pore= 5 µm) membranes revealed three characteristic stages of membrane fouling:(1) droplet attachment and clustering,(2) droplet deformation, and (3) droplet coalescence. In qualitative agreement with visualization results, the force balance predicted that droplets≲ 36–40 µm would remain pinned at d pore= 5 µm pores while larger droplets would be swept off the surface by the crossflow drag. In a separate set of constant pressure crossflow filtration tests with track-etch membranes …