Stage tool apparatus and method

Apparatus for forming an annular body of a fluidic material in a first annular region that is partially defined by a preexisting structure, the apparatus comprising:

• a first tubular member defining a first internal passage, wherein the outside surface of the first tubular member is adapted to partially define the first annular region;
• a second tubular member defining a second internal passage, the second tubular member extending within the first internal passage;
• an opening formed in the outside surface of the second tubular member;
• and
• a first component comprising:
• a body coupled to the first tubular member;
• a shear portion extending from the body and into the opening;
• and
• a shoulder adjacent the proximal end of the shear portion, the shoulder defining a flat;
• wherein the second tubular member is movable, relative to the first tubular member, from a first position to a second position;
• wherein, when the second tubular member is in the first position, the shear portion resists relative movement between the first and second tubular members;
• and
• wherein, as the second tubular member moves from the first position to the second position, the shear portion of the second component shears along a shear plane that is offset from, and generally parallel to, the flat defined by the shoulder.

Apparatus for forming an annular body of a fluidic material in a first annular region that is partially defined by a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising:

• a first tubular member defining a first internal passage and comprising a flow port, wherein the outside surface of the first tubular member is adapted to partially define the first annular region;
• a second tubular member defining a second internal passage, the second tubular member extending within the first internal passage;
• a first axially-extending channel formed in the outside surface of the second tubular member;
• a first component extending from the first tubular member and into the first axially-extending channel, the first component resisting relative rotation between the first and second tubular members;
• a lock key at least partially disposed within the first axially-extending channel, the lock key comprising:
• a bar member defining first and second sides spaced in a parallel relation;
• first and second protrusions extending from the second side of the bar member at opposing end portions thereof;
• and
• an axially-extending region defined by the bar member and the first and second protrusions;
• a spring radially disposed between the bar member and the second tubular member and at least partially disposed within the axially-extending region of the lock key, the spring comprising:
• first and second end portions positioned between the first and second protrusions of the lock key, each of the first and second end portions being engaged with the second side of the bar member;
• and
• an arcuate portion disposed between the first and second end portions, the arcuate portion being engaged with a first surface of the second tubular member defined by the axially-extending channel;
• an opening formed in the outside surface of the second tubular member;
• a second component comprising:
• a body coupled to the first tubular member;
• a shear portion extending from the body and into the opening;
• and
• a shoulder adjacent the proximal end of the shear portion, the shoulder defining a flat;
• a third tubular member defining a third internal passage, the third tubular member extending within the first internal passage;
• a second axially-extending channel formed in the outside surface of the third tubular member;
• and
• a third component extending from the first tubular member and into the second axially-extending channel, the third component resisting relative rotation between the first and third tubular members.

A method of forming an annular body of a fluidic material in a first annular region that is partially defined by a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation, the method comprising:

• providing an assembly comprising a first tubular member that defines a first internal passage;
• extending a second tubular member within the first internal passage, the second tubular member forming part of the assembly;
• positioning the assembly in the wellbore so that the outside surface of the first tubular member partially defines the first annular region;
• resisting relative rotation between the first and second tubular members;
• moving the second tubular member, relative to the first tubular member, from a first position to a second position;
• and
• during moving the second tubular member to the second position, guiding the second tubular member while continuing to resist relative rotation between the first and second tubular members.