A method of obtaining helium from a process gas. The process gas is at a pressure less than 15 bar to a first membrane separation stage having a first membrane more readily permeable for helium than for at least one other component in the process gas. A first retentate stream is fed to a second membrane separation stage having a second membrane more readily permeable for helium than for at least one other component in the process gas. Helium is separated from a first helium-containing permeate stream using a pressure swing adsorption to obtain a helium-containing product stream. A second helium-containing permeate stream is recycled to the first membrane separation stage. A purge gas from the pressure swing adsorption is also recycled to the first membrane separation stage.

A method of obtaining helium from a process gas. The process gas is at a pressure less than 15 bar to a first membrane separation stage having a first membrane more readily permeable for helium than for at least one other component in the process gas. A first retentate stream is fed to a second membrane separation stage having a second membrane more readily permeable for helium than for at least one other component in the process gas. Helium is separated from a first helium-containing permeate stream using a pressure swing adsorption to obtain a helium-containing product stream. A second helium-containing permeate stream is recycled to the first membrane separation stage. A purge gas from the pressure swing adsorption is also recycled to the first membrane separation stage.