An isothermal method is provided for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from
a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a
first channel within a first wafer assembly that contains a rib member.
Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A
stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane into a
permeate zone. The permeate zone is heated via a heated fluid contained
within the rib member. The permeate is produced from the first wafer
assembly. The method may include having a plurality of tandem wafer
assemblies arranged in series. An apparatus for separating aromatic
components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred
embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies
specifically adapted for blending a transportation fuel.