Ultrafiltration (UF) process is gaining increasing attention for processing a variety of chemical effluent streams. A large number of polymeric candidates have been identified as potentially useful UF membrane candidates. A series of UF membranes from polyvinyl butyral blended cellulose acetate were synthesized and their fouling characteristics were investigated with respect to changing polarity of the polymer candidate. The results are analysed using resistance model approach using polyethylene glycol and polyethyleneimine: solutes. Membrane fouling and gel polarisation aspects are studied from the observed changes in water permeation rates when polar and nonpolar macromolecular solutes are employed. The effect of operating pressure, time and concentration were studied and the various resistances are quantified. Attempts were made to predict gel polarisation resistance using a simplified model.