The invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogen-rich stream
from a hydrogen-depleted stream. More particularly, the invention relates
to a hydrocarbon synthesis process, by way of example, a Fischer Tropsch
process, from which both hydrocarbons and high purity hydrogen are
obtained. The process comprises contacting the hydrogen-depleted stream
with a reverse-selective membrane to provide a CO.sub.2-enriched permeate
and a hydrogen-containing retentate. The high purity hydrogen is produced
from the hydrogen-containing retentate. The high purity hydrogen thus
obtained may be used in a process selected from the group consisting of
upgrading hydrocarbons produced from the hydrocarbon synthesis process,
hydrotreating a natural gas stream, recycling to the hydrocarbon
synthesis reaction unit, high purity hydrogen production, catalyst
rejuvenation, and combinations thereof.