Abstract: A method and arrangement for enforced heat transmission between a solid or liquid alimentary body and an ambient gas takes place in connection with cooling/freezing or when cooking, frying or drying the entire part or parts of the alimentary body. This method and arrangement uses a low-frequency standing sound wave. The apparatus uses a low-frequency sound generator having a pulsator part and a resonator part. The resonator part is acoustically virtually closed and is designed so that the alimentary body, which is to be exposed to enforced heat transmission, is located within a zone inside the resonator part where the standing sound wave has a particle velocity anti-node.

Abstract: To clean boiler tubes, a hammering device for shaker rods comprises a series of hammers mounted on a horizontal shaft for vertical rotation. The hammers are moved clockwise around the shaft somewhat less than 180.degree. from the face of the rod, and then released circumferentially around the shaft axis to fall by gravity in anticlockwise direction, thereby hitting the surface of the shaker rod in a straight line. The hammer comprises a hitting surface and a support shank on which a piece of lug is installed parallel to the hitting surface. To move the hammer, a cam fixed to the shaft engages eccentrically the lug so the cam releases the lug at 100.degree. to 130.degree., that is somewhat less than a half turn. The lug is provided with an outer rotating ring. The hammer impact surface defines a cam such that an apex point faces the impact transfer axis of the shaker rod in a series of positions of hammer varying between -2.degree. and +8.degree..

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deslagging a cyclone furnace in which a series of flexible hollow tubes are inserted into the combustion chamber and the explosive charges in each hollow tube are detonated sequentially. Each of the hollow tubes is biased outwardly against the accumulated slag and ash in the combustion chamber. The hollow tubes may be formed in arcs or rings in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber, and spacer rings may be positioned between each ring.

Abstract: Hot fluids are cooled in a heat exchanger which comprises a housing providing a passage for the hot fluid, and heat exchange surfaces arranged within the housing which surfaces provide a passage for a coolant to and from the housing such that there is no direct contact between the hot fluid and the coolant, and which surfaces are movable within the housing. The heat exchanger is very suitable for cooling synthesis gas obtained in the gasification of coal.

Abstract: An on-line method and apparatus for dislodging deposits from the distributors (12) in an adsorption tower (10) thereby cleaning the tower (10) by causing a surge in a fluid to dislodge the blocked openings (14) of the distributors (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning deposits from heat exchange tubes in a boiler through the application of high frequency shock energy. The apparatus includes a tie bar which extends transverse of a row of heat exchange tubes in the boiler. A plurality of paired tube plates whose mounting positions are individually gaged from the tubes, are mounted to the tie bar and extend transversely from both the tie bar and the tubes. Plates are provided in pairs so as to have at least part of a row of the tubes firmly clamped therebetween. In this manner, the invention is readily mounted to existing banks of heat exchange tubes without requiring prior or precise knowledge as to the spacing between the tubes. Once properly positioned, the tube plates are fixedly secured to the tie bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging a steam boiler includes a plurality of loop clusters of detonating cord, each including a plurality of loops arranged in a multi-directional pattern to impart a three-dimensional generally spheroid shaped to the cluster The clusters are supported in spaced apart relation between a pair of adjacent tubing panels and are interconnected by lengths of detonating cord to form an explosive assembly adapted for substantially simultaneous detonation. A plurality of explosive assemblies are arranged in approximately every third or fourth spread between tubing panels and are interconnected so as to pyrotechnically detonate each explosive assembly after a predetermined delay in response to detonation of another explosive assembly to which it is connected. The invention is further directed to the method of deslagging a steam boiler with the plurality of loop clusters of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deslagging a cyclone furnace in which a series of flexible hollow tubes are inserted into the combustion chamber and the explosive charges in each hollow tube are detonated sequentially. Each of the hollow tubes is biased outwardly against the accumulated slag and ash in the combustion chamber. The hollow tubes may be formed in arcs or rings in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber, and spacer rings may be positioned between each ring.

Abstract: An electromagnetic hammer rapper having forward and retract coils for controllably causing a centrally disposed armature to impact an impact transfer pin to cause the transfer pin to knock-off slag and other encrustations from heat transfer tubes or walls of heat exchanger components, and for causing the armature to be propelled to a retracted position. An electrical circuit for controlling energization of the forward and retract coils is also provided and includes a manually actuatable switch for initiating an impact between the armature and the transfer pin. An auto sequencer/manual selector circuit controls the forward and retract coils of a plurality of electromagnetic solenoids. A phase detection and triggering circuit having an operator adjustable phase control controls the duration for which the forward coil of each electromagnetic solenoid is energized.

Abstract: A method for removing accumulated ash from the heat exchangers within a steam generator includes introducing a series of high-energy shocks to the tubing panels of the heat exchangers. Explosive cords are attached to the tubing panels at preselected, spaced-apart locations and separately detonated at preselected intervals to establish a vibratory pattern in the tubing panels and thereby separate the ash from the tubing panels.

Abstract: A heat exchange device is provided for use as a cross flow heat exchanger, preferably for use as a liquid-liquid cross flow exchanger, having a stack of thin metallic plates having channel walls for defining channels for cold and hot fluid flow paths traversing therethrough on opposite sides of the plates. Improved heat transfer coefficients and heat transfer rates are attained by providing oscillators for inducing oscillation and turbulence in the fluids as they are passed from inlet to outlet chambers through their respective channels.

Abstract: A vibratory fluid pump having a force generator for generating asymmetric periodic waves or oscillations connected to one end of one or more fluid conveyance means, such as filaments. The opposite ends of the filaments are connected to springs. Fluid introduced onto the filaments will traverse along the filaments according to the magnitude of the positive and negative excursions of the periodic waves or oscillations, and can be recovered from the filaments.

Abstract: A generally closed circulatory system of tubing between a first heat exchanger built into the shaker head, and a second heat exchanger positioned remote of the first heat exchanger. The closed circulatory system contains a coolant which is coursed through the first heat exchanger whereat heat is pulled from the shaker head into the coolant. The heated coolant is then coursed through the second heat exchanger where the increased heat of the coolant is expelled. The coursing of the coolant through the two heat exchangers is a generally continuous cycle.

Abstract: A waste heat boiler for cooling partial oxidation crude gas comprises a pressure container, a crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger in the container, a tubular body formed as a tubular basket and arranged in the pressure container, the crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger being arranged inside the tubular basket, and heating surfaces associated with the crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger.

Abstract: An improved cleaning system for a horizontal type tube assembly which can achieve cleaning of the outer surfaces of the tubes in the tube assembly automatically by remote control without necessitating human labor of workers who are compelled to work in a narrow limited space, is disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptive control technique, in which the duty cycle of a vibrational cleaning device for the heat exchange surfaces of a steam generator is automatically adapted to the current state of dirt accumulation on the surfaces. To ascertain the degree of dirt accumulation, the number of strokes of the drive cylinder of a fluidic actuator of the vibrational device is measured in a short interval at the beginning of each cleaning cycle and compared with a reference value. The cleaning cycle length or vibration period within the cycle is either lengthened or shortened commensurate with the results of the comparison and in this way the duty cycle of the vibrational device is continuously adapted to the current need for cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cylinder tube for scraped surface heat exchangers the interior surface (18) of which is even and the exterior surface of which is enlarged by providing a number of spaced grooves (16) with a smoothly rounded bottom portion, the profile depth (A) of which being substantially larger than the radius (R) at the bottom of said groove (16). The cylinder tube (10) shall be manufactured by a duplex stainless steel alloy consisting of the following constituents in weight-%; max 0.03% C, 18-30% Cr, 4-8% Ni, 0-6% Mo, 0.5-2% Mn, 0.5-2% Si, 0.05-0.30% N, the remainder Fe and normal impurities, whereby the amounts of the constituents are interrelated such that the amount of ferrite in the microstructure amounts to 35-65%.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus having a first header for receiving fluid from a source, flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange elements defining a plurality of passages through a heat exchange zone and second header means for receiving fluid from said plastic heat exchange elements after passing through said heat exchange zone. Support elements are provided, supporting and rigidifying the flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange member. The plastic heat exchange element defining said plurality of passages is radially expandable by pressure of fluid from said source to avoid scale formation.

Abstract: A radiation cooling unit for cooling dust-laden gas. At least one cylindrical radiation heat transfer surface is disposed in a tank adjacent to, and extending essentially along the length of, an inner wall of the tank. First knock-or impact-beating devices disposed externally of the tank act upon the cylindrical heat transfer surface through the wall of the tank. A plurality of essentially radially and axially extending, partition-like radiation heat transfer surfaces are disposed within a free space in the tank, and each comprise axially extending tubes and at least one header. Second knock- or impact-beating devices are disposed externally of the tank, extend through the cylindrical heat transfer surface, and act upon radially outwardly disposed edges of the partition-like heat transfer surfaces, with the length-to-width ratio of the latter being such that they are adapted to be accelerated and cleaned by the second knock- or impact-beating devices.

Abstract: A process and a device for cleaning inner or outer walls of vertically extending or inverted tubes of heat exchangers and especially for cleaning tubes in trash incinerators. The process involves imparting kinetic energy to the tubes in an axial direction and then suddenly stopping the tubes to shake loose dirt and the like. The device for the process includes arranging a plurality of rows of vertically extending tubes such that the tubes move upwardly and downwardly in the direction of the axis of the tubes. The tubes advantageously include their own lower distributors and upper headers. These distributors and/or headers rest on a movable cam or cam plate which, for example, may be rotated so that a radially extending offset of the shoulder of the cam permits the cam to lift the upper headers upwardly to a height at which point they are suddenly dropped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling rapping of heat exchanging surfaces based on the heat transfer coefficient of the exchanger systems.

Abstract: A process and a device for cleaning inner or outer walls of vertically extending or inverted tubes of heat exchangers and especially for cleaning tubes in trash incinerators. The process involves imparting kinetic energy to the tubes in an axial direction and then suddenly stopping the tubes to shake loose dirt and the like. The device for the process includes arranging a plurality of rows of vertically extending tubes such that the tubes move upwardly and downwardly in the direction of the axis of the tubes. The tubes advantageously include their own lower distributors and upper headers. These distributors and/or headers rest on a movable cam or cam plate which, for example, may be rotated so that a radially extending offset of the shoulder of the cam permits the cam to lift the upper headers upwardly to a height at which point they are suddenly dropped.

Abstract: Automatic device for regular cleaning of the surfaces of a heat exchanger for gaseous fluids flowing in vertical channels (1) defined between the said surfaces, comprising resilient members (5) arranged permanently in the said channels (1) and capable of being caused to vibrate in order to perform the cleaning of the said surfaces, characterized in that it comprises conduits (10, 11, 12) for the injection of additional compressed gas, opening out in front of the openings of groups of channels (1) and an injection control device designed to produce, successively and at regular intervals for each group of channels, an injection of additional compressed gas inducing in the said group of channels (1) a flow of gaseous fluid originating from the exchanger, causing the resilient members (5) present in each group of channels (1) to vibrate.

Abstract: This application discloses several components relating to a heating apparatus which preferably are used in conjunction with each other in an apparatus for heating solid granular or particulate material, such as aggregate used to make asphalt concrete. One component of the present invention includes a heater-condenser unit which indirectly heats the material by circulating heat transfer fluid within hollow plates contained in a housing holding the material. The material is heated, the heat transfer fluid is condensed and a condensate removal means associated with the hollow plates removes the condensate from the housing. The heat transfer fluid used in the heater-condenser preferably is supplied in the form of a vapor or gas evolved from liquid contained in material heated by another type of heater. In this other type of heater, the material to be dried enters a chamber containing hollow heat exchange plates through which a primary heat transfer fluid is circulating.

Abstract: An improved method for cleaning inner surfaces of heat-transfer tubes in a heat-exchanger of a multi-tube type is disclosed, in which each of the heat-transfer tubes on its inlet end is provided with a washing head including a combination of an ejecting nozzle with an ultra-sonic generator, which washing head may eject a high pressure liquid or gas to produce a turbulent flow in the heat-transfer tubes and further generate an ultra-sonic wave against the liquid in the tubes, thereby to achieve efficient release and removal of deposit, such as scales of incrustation and rust, from the inner surfaces of the heat-transfer tubes.

Abstract: A rapper system particularly adapted for removing slag and other encrustations from heat transfer tubes or walls of heat exchanger components. The rapper systems according to this invention employ an electro-impulse type actuator. Linkages couple the heat exchanger components to the actuator such that the actuator exerts simultaneous but opposing forces to the driven surfaces to generate a modal response at the surfaces. Such deflection causes ash encrustations to be removed from the heat exchanger components. According to one embodiment, an elongated cross beam is used with an actuator mounted to it and driving a single connecting rod, whereas other connecting rods are coupled to the cross member. In another embodiment, a pair of cross members are provided which are oriented along skewed axes and drive four or more points on the heat exchanger components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid to solids heat exchanger and to a process for retorting carbon-containing solids (e.g. oil shale) using such heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains a liquid pool reservoir, heat source or heat sink for heating or cooling the liquid pool, a support for the solids such that there is heat exchange between the solids and the liquid pool without direct contact of the solids and the liquid pool, and oscillators or vibrators to cause the solids to be conveyed while exchanging heat with the liquid pool.

Abstract: An energy storage and conversion system utilizes unique heat exchange media for storing and transferring heat. In one embodiment, a refractory material is heated to the molten state by a solar furnace. The refractory material is stored in its molten form and metered to a direct-contact heat exchanger. It is fed into the heat exchanger in a plurality of streams that break into a plurality of droplets. The droplets flow through the heat exchanger in countercurrent relationship with a relatively inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The gas is heated and expanded through an expansion engine to convert the thermal energy to mechanical energy which in turn can be utilized to produce electricity, for example. The refractory can be sufficiently cooled in the heat exchanger to fuse into beads, which can be easily recycled to the solar furnace.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus having a first header for receiving fluid from a source, flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange elements defining a plurality of passages through a heat exchange zone and second header means for receiving fluid from said plastic heat exchange elements after passing through said heat exchange zone. Support elements are provided, supporting and rigidifying the flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange member. The plastic heat exchange element defining said plurality of passages is radially expandable by pressure of fluid from said source to avoid scale formation.

Abstract: A multiplicity of parallel heat transfer tubes each sealed with refrigerant are journaled for rotation at each end and in a bulkhead that separates the air flow channel in a counterflow heat exchanger into ingoing and outgoing parallel channels. Each heat transfer element has closely spaced circular fins extending radially outward from each tube, the spacing between adjacent fins being less than the fin radius. A motor and transmission cause each heat transfer element to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat from a dust-containing gaseous medium to a second medium comprises a housing (3) with an inlet (1) and an outlet (5) for the gaseous medium, which flows along a U-shaped path around a partition wall (2) suspended from a top plate (4). The second medium flows along U-shaped pipes (6) in the U-shaped path from an inlet chamber (29) to an outlet chamber (28). Rapping cylinders (13), which are mounted on the top plate (4), periodically rap the pipes (6) to dislodge dust from the pipes into a discharge hopper (12). The top plate is mounted via resilient supports (31) on the upper edge of the housing (3).

Abstract: An infrasound generator including a quarterwave resonator tube having a closed end and an open end and being of substantially uniform diameter, the open end of the tube being adapted to communicate with a space containing the heat exchange surfaces of a boiler through an aperture in a wall of the space and having means for supplying pulsating pressurized air to the closed end of the resonator tube. An outwardly opening conical diffuser is connected between the open end of the resonator tube and the space and a sleeve extends back from the wall and surrounds at least a portion of the length of the tube, the sleeve being of greater diameter than the tube with resilient closure means connected between the diffuser and the sleeve.

Abstract: The transfer of impact force from a mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically driven knock or impact-beating device, which is mounted externally of a container that receives dust-laden, hot, and/or contaminated gases, onto bearing or cooling surfaces which are installed within the container, and which are to be intermittently cleaned. The impact force is indirectly transferred via the container wall to a striker which is pressed against an inner wall of the container by a resilient power accumulator. Preferably, the striker has a mass equal to that of the knocking element of the knock or impact-beating device. Pursuant to one embodiment of a device for effecting transfer of the impact force, the striker disposed within the container is guided within a connector-like inlet of the container body. The cover part associated with the inlet has a central bore and, on that side thereof facing the interior of the container, has a projection which coaxially surrounds the bore.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger having a plurality of parallel channels for conveying heated gases including entrained pollutants, with transversely directed cooling gases intermediate the polluted gas channels, and an apparatus for periodically cleaning the polluted gas channels, including pipes aligned with their respective channel openings, the pipes having a plurality of jet passages closely spaced therealong, all of the pipes connected to a pressure accumulator having at least a volume greater than ten times the volume of an individual pipe interior, and including controllable valve release mechanisms for sequentially exhausting the pressure tank volume into each of the respective pipes.

Abstract: An electric drip coffeemaker hot water generator wherein a unique self-cleaning water channel construction is provided in an aluminum casting. A plurality of transverse lands and grooves are formed in the walls of the water channel so that mineral deposits that build up on the lands and grooves and other surfaces of the water channel will crack off or flake away in relatively small chips from differential thermal expansion and contraction. The small chips will be flushed through the channel and into the coffee grounds.

Abstract: A solar system with a thin film absorber envelope, so constructed and arranged as to have a peristaltic type action in the direction of flow of fluid passing therethrough whereby to cause bubbles in the fluid to be flushed out of the envelope. The absorber envelope is of relatively thin flexible plastic film with a support arrangement being provided for supporting the envelope at spaced positions such that the envelope is loose and ruffled between the positions. A transverse tension is applied to the envelope at these positions. The envelope is divided into parallel longitudinally disposed channels extending between an input section and output section. The input section includes a manifold coupled to and distributing the fluid to the channels. A venting arrangement is provided in an associated glazing to prevent the temperature between the glazing and envelope from exceeding a value at which the absorber envelope might be damaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for providing for increased heat transfer efficiency f a heat exchanger by separating contiguous fluid conductive channels by means of a flexible sheet fabricated from a piezoelectric polymer. An electrode pattern of predetermined configuration is applied to one or both sides of the piezoelectric sheet and an electrical signal applied thereto in order to set the sheet into a flexual resonance condition whereupon a standing wave pattern is established to not only break up the boundary layer of fluid which adheres to each side of the sheet, but also minimizing the thickness of the laminar sub-layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging tubes in a modern high temperature steam generator by the application of high frequency shock energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatic vibrator, a connecting shaft connected at one end to the vibrator by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the vibrator to the shaft, a base plate for distributing the high frequency shock energy over a relatively large area encompassing portions of at least a plurality of tubes, the base plate being connected to the other end of the connection shaft by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the shaft to the base plate, and the base plate being secured in position adjacent the tubes for the transmission of high frequency shock energy from the base plate to the tubes while allowing for thermal expansion of the tubes during operation of the steam generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including a connection element for transfer of knock- or impact-beating energy from a mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically driven knock- or impact-beating device upon heating or cooling surfaces to be cleaned intermittently. The heating or cooling surfaces are installed in a container or vessel driven and operated on the gas side at an elevated pressure compared with respect to the atmospheric environmental pressure. The heating or cooling surfaces have external flow of hot, dust-laden gases thereagainst. The knock- or impact-beating device is fastened externally of the pressure container.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes placing a first granular material composed of particles of a first size on the upper side of a downwardly sloping vibratory screen. The openings in the screen are sufficiently small to prevent passage therethrough of the particles of the first material. A second granular material composed of particles of a second size, smaller than the first size, is spread over the first material on the screen to mix with and sift through the first material as the screen is vibrated. The size of the particles of the second material is small enough to allow passage through the openings in the screen. The first and second materials are at different temperatures so that as the particles of the two materials mix, heat is transferred between the particles. After mixing and heat transfer, the first material flows off the lower edge of the screen where it can be gathered, and the second material flows through the screen where it likewise can be gathered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat exchange apparatus in which a cooling tower having coils carrying heated water from a facility in a closed circuit system are mounted such that the coils, by means of multi-directional thermal expansion, crack scale and other film from the surface thereof. The improvement is directed to the internal flow path of heated fluid in the closed circuit which includes turbulator means to enhance agitation and vibration of the coils thereby increasing efficiency and avoiding the build-up of the scale on the smooth external surfaces of the cooling coils. The cooling tower may include a turbine driven fan which utilizes as a motive fluid water for cooling and washing the coils of scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for providing for increased heat transfer efficiency f a heat exchanger by separating contiguous fluid conductive channels by means of a flexible sheet fabricated from a piezoelectric polymer. An electrode pattern of predetermined configuration is applied to one or both sides of the piezoelectric sheet and an electrical signal applied thereto in order to set the sheet into a flexual resonance condition whereupon a standing wave pattern is established to not only break up the boundary layer of fluid which adheres to each side of the sheet, but also minimizing the thickness of the laminar sub-layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preheating glass batch ingredients is disclosed. The invention uses a heat exchange method that preferably employs furnace exhaust gases. The heated batch then is fed to a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing increased heat transfer efficiency in a heat exchanger by separating contiguous fluid conductive channels by means of a flexible partition of a bimorph construction consisting of two adjacent layers of piezoelectric material arranged so that, when an electrical signal is applied, one layer expands while the other contracts causing the composite sheet to flex and push a sub-laminar layer of the fluid located adjacent to the sheet away into the turbulent stream while drawing other fluid into contact with the partition. The preferred embodiment of the invention additionally includes a grid or mesh member between the two layers for strengthening the partition so that it can withstand a relatively large pressure gradient thereacross.

Abstract: This invention relates to electric heaters of the type consisting of a flat convoluted loop or coil adapted to be arranged in an opening in a cooktop and, more particularly, to a support system wherein means are provided for cushioning vibrations resulting from relative movement between the convoluted heater and the support system.

Abstract: A dialyser has a membrane assembly (12) comprising two superposed conduits partially defined, and separated, by a transfer membrane wall. The walls of the conduit are provided with furrowing (38 or 39) extending with a component along the conduits. Blood is pumped through one conduit by a roller pump (21) and dialysate is pumped in counter current through the other conduit by a roller pump (24). The conduits communicate with separate chambers in flexible bladders (16) along each side edge of the conduits and the bladders are alternately compressed by rollers (27) to provide a superimposed reciprocatory flow component on the blood and dialysate in a direction transverse to the length of the conduits. This reciprocatory flow component, in conjunction with the furrows, produces vortexes in, and good mixing of, the blood and dialysate in their respective conduits and hence enhanced contact of each of these liquids with the transfer membrane wall.

Abstract: An improved method of removing particulate matter from the plates of electrostatic precipitators includes applying tensile loads to the plates thus inducing high frequency stress whereby the particulate matter tends to break and slide down the surfaces of the plates with minimal reintroduction of the particulate matter into the fluid stream.

Abstract: Process is provided for the creation of crystal aggregates in one part of a tank by heat transfer from a fluid disposed in another part of the tank and maintained by heating or by cooling at a different temperature than the part containing the crystal aggregates. Both of these parts are separated from each other by a flexible membrane which is pulsated by dynamic local pressure differentials caused by foaming or by fluidizing the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: Vibration-damping composite comprising one or more structural metal sheets having adhered thereto a viscoelastic polycyanurate polymer which effectively damps vibrations at elevated temperatures after prolonged exposure thereto. A preferred structural sheet is dead-soft aluminum-killed steel.

Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging tubes in a modern high temperature steam generator by the application of high frequency shock energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatic vibrator, a connecting shaft connected at one end to the vibrator by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the vibrator to the shaft, a base plate for distributing the high frequency shock energy over a relatively large area encompassing portions of at least a plurality of tubes, the base plate being connected to the other end of the connection shaft by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the shaft to the base plate, and the base plate being secured in position adjacent the tubes for the transmission of high frequency shock energy from the base plate to the tubes while allowing for thermal expansion of the tubes during operation of the steam generator.