One option for the separation is to use a benzene entrainer to form a ternary azeotrope allowing the ethanol-water mixture to be separated. However added complications including potential benzene contamination of the ethanol product and the questionable sustainability of the use of benzene that is carcinogenic and highly flammable, presenting a risk to the environment, plant operators and residents local to the facility. A suitable alternative is to distil the ethanol-water mixture to a point close to the azeotrope and then use pervaperation to complete the dehydration. This method allows for a simpler column design and avoids the use of chemicals such as benzene.