The steam conversion of methane in the presence of a carbon dioxide acceptor has been studied. The basic feasibility of the process has been confirmed. It is shown that, as a result of a shift in the thermodynamic equilibrium through the removal of CO2 from the reaction zone, the almost complete conversion of methane and the production of hydrogen of 97-98% purity are possible, with a simultaneous 150-200 deg reduction in the process temperature by comparison with normal conversion in a tube furnace. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.