# SAT-HM-001 source-material photographs

Archived: 2026-08-13

These photographs document the household materials proposed for exploratory
homemade sodium acetate trihydrate batch `SAT-HM-001`. The untouched camera
files remain in `Camera/`; the copies here are the chemistry record.

Working protocol and batch record:
`Chemistry/SAT/SAT-HM-001_Process_Rehearsal.md`.

| File | Subject | Evidence visible |
|---|---|---|
| `washing-soda-lot-BS101725.jpg` | Washing-grade sodium carbonate package | Lot `BS101725`; best-before `2027-10` |
| `washing-soda-distributor.jpg` | Washing-grade sodium carbonate package | Distributed by Yogi Inc., Mississauga, Ontario; barcode visible |
| `vinegar-lot-BB-MA2031-JN02.jpg` | Windsor House cleaning vinegar | Printed code `BB/MA2031 JN02`, `RC 21:18` |
| `vinegar-front-10pct-2.5L.jpg` | Windsor House double-strength cleaning vinegar | 2.5 L; labelled 10% acetic acid by volume |

## Evidence limits

- The washing-soda ingredient panel and declared hydrate state are not visible.
- The vinegar ingredient panel is not visible in the archived photographs.
  Tristan subsequently reported that the contents are only water and acetic
  acid; this remains user-supplied evidence rather than photographic evidence.
- These materials are washing/cleaning grade and do not establish a
  reagent-grade reference formulation.

## Equipment note - improvised thermocouple sheath

The available DMM temperature probe has an exposed thermocouple junction. For
the exploratory `SAT-HM-001` batch, sheath it using an intact continuous length
of spare 3D-printer PTFE tubing formed into a broad U:

1. Soften the middle in hot water and bend it without kinking; do not use flame.
2. Feed the thermocouple through one open end until its bead rests at the bottom
   of the U.
3. Keep both open tube ends above the solution and clamp the two legs securely.
4. Immerse only the closed bend at mid-depth, clear of the vessel, bottom, and
   magnetic stir bar.
5. Leak-test in water, then compare its readings against ice water and hot water.
6. Measure and record its response delay before synthesis. Allow at least that
   settling time after every heater adjustment.

The thick printer tube will produce a slow reading. During exploratory
evaporation, use an indicated range of about 80-85 C and allow margin for both
probe lag and hotplate overshoot. This arrangement is not accepted for later
controlled thermal-cycle characterization; that work requires a suitable
immersion probe, closed-loop control, and independent over-temperature
protection.