Improved reaction and reaction-separation hydrocarbon processing-conversion systems for conversion of gaseous hydrocarbons (i.e. C-1-C-4) to hydrogen and carbon oxide mixtures are utilized with the produced hydrogen rich species used to power hydrogen based fuel cells or alternatively to synthesize synthetic fuels such as methanol. Applications with steam and CO2 reforming of methane and other fossil and waste type hydrocarbon mixtures such as coal gas from gasification are analyzed by using impermeable and membrane type reformers. Technical objectives of these studies include turnkey process development for the fuel cell industry (REFUCEL processes) with increased processing capacity, conversion, separation efficacy (e.g. through recycling streams and multiple side feeds) and increased power output and end product utilization. Further advances and modifications of the proposed processors contribute to enhanced carbon and CO2 sequestration via in-situ conversion and recycling with concomitant environmental and economic benefits from the installations. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.