Intercarrier mechanism for connecting and orienting tubing conveyed

Abstract

An orienting intercarrier assembly is provided for oriented interconnection and locking of tubing conveyed perforating guns. The apparatus incorporates upper and lower intermediate adapter sections including tapered guide surfaces that correct for axial misalignment as the adapters are stabbed into sealed assembly. The adapters are also provided with alignment pins and rotational alignment guide surfaces that enable the adapters of the intercarrier assembly to be properly assembled and locked only when precise rotational orientation therebetween has been established. The apparatus also incorporates a locking mechanism enabling the adapters to be securely locked in assembly and to be retained against inadvertent disassembly. In all current embodiments for dual completion and for precision location of perforating guns within the well casing, the intercarrier assembly may be provided with orientation blocks having a specific external configuration for contact with inner surfaces of the well casing and other components therein to establish desired gun positioning relative to these components.