For an effective operation of a membrane reactor in comparison with a conventional fixed-bed reactor, the kinetic compatibility of hydrogen production and its removal is essential. The aim of this work is to provide an estimation of the membrane area needed for the extraction of the hydrogen which is produced at a defined gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) in steam reforming of methane (SR). The SR was studied in a fixed-bed reactor using a conventional Ni-catalyst for evaluating the kinetic parameters. The conversion of methane was simulated by a one-dimensional, non-isothermal reactor model and compared with the experimental results. Hydrogen conducting Pd-membranes were prepared by electroless plating, and the hydrogen permeation through these membranes was determined. The analysis performed can provide an estimation for the design of a catalytic membrane reactor. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.