A simple mathematical model assuming isothermal operation and a plug flow pattern was developed to evaluate the performance of an FAU-type zeolite membrane reactor for use in the catalytic dehydrogenation of cyclohexane. The membrane reactor consisted of a catalyst bed and membrane, containing an impermeable region at the reactor inlet, followed by a permeable region. The impermeable region was required in order to achieve an equilibrium conversion before entering the permeable region, and the selective permeation of benzene and hydrogen was sufficient to shift the equilibrium. The results of the simulation for the membrane reactor were in good agreement with the experimental results. On the basis of the simulation, the zeolite membrane reactor was superior to the Knudsen membrane reactor. The effect of co-feeding hydrogen with cyclohexane, to restrain coke formation on the catalyst due to the high hydrogen concentration in the feed side was clearly demonstrated. The effect of permeance and the separation factor on the conversion was evaluated, and as a result, the permeance was more important in terms of increasing the conversion than the separation factor. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.