A model based on capillary theory and filtration theory has been established to simulate the process for preparation of asymmetrical tubular ceramic ultratiltration membranes. Methods for measuring parameters in the model were proposed and adopted. The calculated membrane thickness by the model has a good consistency with the measured one. Further calculated results show that in the process of first layer imbibing slip, the gel thickness developed at a rate proportional to the square root of the casting time; however, in the process of the second layer imbibing slip, the gel thickness did not maintain the square root relationship with the casting time; in the process of the third layer imbibing slip, the relationship between the gel thickness and the casting time was more and more close to a square root when the casting time was prolonged longer and longer. The influences of Methyl Cellulose (MC) concentration in sol on the gel membrane development had also been discussed. The higher the MC concentration was the more slowly the gel membrane developed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.