There is provided a combination for use in a shell and tube heat exchanger which comprises: a shell having a substantially horizontally extending longitudinal axis and an open end; an annular distributor adjacent to the shell end and having an annular chamber defined therein in fluid communication with the shell interior through the shell end; a tubesheet longitudinally spaced from the shell end; a baffle cage having an interior portion in the shell interior and an exterior portion outside the shell between the tubesheet and shell end, wherein the baffle cage is longitudinally spaced from and unconnected to the tubesheet; a bundle of tubes extending from the tubesheet and through the baffle cage and shell interior; and a support member having a lower end fixedly connected to the interior surface of the annular distributor and an upper end contacting but not connected to the exterior portion of the baffle cage at a lowermost location thereof.