Process and reactor for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide

The present invention pertains to a process for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons involving: a) supplying a gaseous stream of hydrocarbons and a molecular-oxygen containing gas to a first reaction zone having a fluidized bed of partial oxidation catalyst; b) catalytically partially oxidizing the hydrocarbons in the gaseous stream at a temperature in the range of from 700°C. to 1400°C., to form a first effluent; c) supplying a gaseous stream of hydrocarbons, steam and the first effluent to a second reaction zone containing a fluidized bed of steam reforming catalyst; d) catalytically reforming the hydrocarbons fed to the second reaction zone at a temperature in the range of from 200°C. to 700°C.; e) separating hydrogen from the reformed gas by a selective membrane in the second reaction zone; and, f) removing a gaseous stream rich in carbon dioxide