Abstract: A load cell comprising a load carrying structural framework is arranged with two measuring zones (20, 21) where a measuring means is arranged on each. A load applied to two parallel outer beams (10, 11) of the framework is transferred to a third parallel measuring beam (17) arranged with a measuring zone (20) by connecting beams (12, 13). The connecting beams (12, 13) make an angle &agr; to the long axis of the measuring beam (17). The load on the measuring zone (20) is greater than the applied load on outer beams (10, 11) in proportion to the angle &agr;. A preferred embodiment of the load cell comprises a membrane (34) joining each measuring zone (20, 21). In a load cell according to a preferred embodiment of the invention measuring zones (20, 21) are defined by passageways (43-48) and slits (35-38) running from one side of the load cell to the other in the z-direction. A load to be measured is applied in the y-direction.

Abstract: A process is claimed for the determination of nitrogen content in a nitrogen containing material, said process comprising: a) at least one pre-treatment step, b) at least one distillation step and c) at least one determination step; wherein said distillation step (a) comprises the substeps of: i) diluting a pre-treated sample of a nitrogen containing material with at least one diluting fluid, ii) inputting steam for commencement of steam distillation, and iii) adding at least one alkali compound, whereby the addition of alkali is made 1-60 seconds after commencement of said inputting of steam and said steam distillation and whereby distillate produced during said steam distillation is recovered in an acidic and/or complexing medium.