Sky-High Radiation Found in Fukushima Fish

[PamW]

25. A picture is worth a thousand words.

If you don't understand the post above, perhaps a picture will help.

The following is a diagram of how a PWR - Pressurized Water Reactor works; courtesy of the NRC:

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/animated-pwr.html

One can readily see the two loops; the primary reactor coolant loop is the yellow / red loop.

The secondary loop; which is the Rankine steam cycle working fluid is the light blue / dark blue loop.

If you replaced the "steam generator" with a coal-fired boiler; then that and the balance of plant would be exactly what is in a coal-fired power plant. The Rankine working fluid steam is the only steam that can be vented. The Rankine working fluid doesn't go through the reactor, and so is not radioactive.

There is no venting of the primary coolant, the yellow / red loop.

Contrary to the suggestion of another poster, it is NEVER sad to educate people with the scientific facts.

PamW