A one-dimensional non-isothermal model for oxygen permeable membrane reactor has been developed to simulate the partial oxidation of methane to produce hydrogen. The performance of two fixed bed reactors (FBRs) viz. one with pure O(2) in feed (FBR1), other with air in feed (FBR2), and a membrane reactor (MR) having air in non-reaction side have been studied at various feed conditions and inlet temperatures in order to investigate the effect of these parameters on conversion of methane and yield of hydrogen. The fixed bed reactor with pure O(2) in feed has been found to provide better performance as compared to fixed bed reactor with air and membrane reactor. (C) 2009 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.