Abstract: The steam methane reforming reactor includes a substantially cylindrical housing or shell and a tube disposed concentrically within the substantially cylindrical shell. The tube includes one or more catalysts. A hydrogen selective membrane extends through a central portion of the tube. The hydrogen selective membrane can be formed from a hydrogen selective material such as a palladium alloy. The membrane defines a central passage or permeate zone. A feed zone including the catalyst extends around the permeate zone. A sweep gas, such as air, nitrogen or the like, may be injected in the permeate zone, via an inlet, and pass through the permeate zone, exiting via an outlet. An annular heated fluid passage is defined between an outer surface of the tube and an inner surface of the substantially cylindrical housing or shell. A heating medium may be injected into the heated fluid passage to pass therethrough.