A membrane-based process for separating mixtures of target gases if the gas mixture
also contains C3+ hydrocarbon vapors. The process uses gas-separation
membranes having a base membrane and a coating layer. The base membrane incorporates
a selective layer made from a polymer selective between the light gases to be separated.
The coating layer comprises a fluorinated polymer capable of protecting the base
membrane from C3+ hydrocarbon vapors and liquids.