Patent Publication Number: US-2023151712-A1

Title: Stage collar and related methods for stage cementing operations

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/280,462, filed Nov. 17, 2021, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Aspects of the disclosure relate to stage collars and related methods of operation thereof for stage cementing operations. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Stage collars for stage cementing operations can be limited in operations. For example, stage collars can have loose gas seal ratings and can be affected by pressures, such as pressures in casing annuluses. As another example, stage collars can fail to properly set and/or can prematurely set in wellbores, such as in reaction to wellbore pressure variations. Stage collars can be complex and can involve drilling out of numerous components. 
     Therefore, there is a need for new and improved stage collars that facilitate reliable operation, reduced operational delays, and reduced costs. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the disclosure relate to stage collars and related methods of operation thereof for stage cementing operations. 
     In one implementation, a stage collar for stage cementing operations includes a barrel, and an activation sleeve disposed at least partially in the barrel. The activation sleeve includes first fluid openings. The stage collar includes an activation ring that includes an activation seat. The stage collar includes a first set of shear fasteners coupling the activation ring to the activation sleeve, and a second set of shear fasteners coupling the activation sleeve to the barrel. The stage collar includes a setting piston, and a closing sleeve disposed at least partially in the barrel. The closing sleeve includes second fluid openings. The stage collar includes a third set of shear fasteners coupling the closing sleeve to the barrel. 
     In one implementation, a method of operating a stage collar includes running the stage collar in a wellbore in a run configuration. The method includes positioning a first plug member against an activation seat of an activation ring. The activation ring is coupled to an activation sleeve using a first set of shear fasteners. The activation sleeve is disposed at least partially in a barrel and is coupled to the barrel using a second set of shear fasteners. The method includes pressurizing the first plug member at a first pressure to shear the first set of shear fasteners and translate the activation ring to abut the activation ring against an activation end ring coupled to the activation sleeve. The translation of the activation ring includes opening first fluid openings formed in the activation sleeve. The method includes pressurizing a setting piston at a second pressure through the first fluid openings, and pressurizing the first plug member at a third pressure to shear the second set of shear fasteners and translate the activation sleeve to an open position. The translation of the activation sleeve to the open position includes opening second fluid openings formed in a closing sleeve disposed at least partially in the barrel and coupled to the barrel using a third set of shear fasteners. The method includes pumping a cementing fluid through the second fluid openings and into a casing annulus, and positioning a second plug member against a closing seat of a closing end ring coupled to the closing sleeve. The method includes pressurizing the plug to shear the third set of fasteners and translate the closing sleeve to a closed position. The translation of the closing sleeve to the closed position includes closing the second fluid openings formed in the closing sleeve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic isometric view of a stage collar for cementing operations in a run configuration, according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  1   , according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged view of the schematic isometric view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  1   , according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic isometric view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  1    in a set configuration, according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  4   , according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic isometric view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  1    in an open configuration, according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  6   , according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged view of the schematic isometric view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  6   , according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  6   , according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic isometric view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  1    in a closed configuration, according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  10   , according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic block diagram view of a method of operating a stage collar, according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic isometric view of a stage collar for cementing operations in a run configuration, according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of the stage collar shown in  FIG.  13   , according to one implementation. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one implementation may be beneficially utilized on other implementations without specific recitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the disclosure relate to stage collars and related methods of operation thereof for stage cementing operations. 
     The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to welding, interference fitting, and/or fastening such as by using bolts, threaded connections, pins, and/or screws. The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to integrally forming. The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to direct coupling and/or indirect coupling, such as indirect coupling through components such as links. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic isometric view of a stage collar  100  for cementing operations in a run configuration, according to one implementation.  FIG.  2    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , according to one implementation.  FIG.  3    is an enlarged view of the schematic isometric view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , according to one implementation. A barrel  110  of the stage collar  100  is shown as transparent (e.g., see-through) in  FIG.  3   . 
     The stage collar  100  is lowered into a wellbore  102  to a desired location. Fluid can flow freely through the inner bore of the stage collar  100  when lowered into the wellbore  102 . A plug member, such as a dart or cone, referred to herein as a cone  109  (shown in dashed lines) can be pumped down into the stage collar  100  after the stage collar  100  is located at the desired location within the wellbore  102 . 
     The stage collar  100  includes a barrel  110  and an activation sleeve  120  disposed at least partially in the barrel  110 . The activation sleeve  120  includes first fluid openings  121 . The stage collar  100  includes an activation ring  130  that includes an activation seat  131 . The stage collar  100  includes a first set of shear fasteners  122  coupling the activation ring  130  to the activation sleeve  120 . The stage collar  100  includes a second set of shear fasteners  123  coupling the activation sleeve  120  to the barrel  110 . 
     The stage collar  100  includes a setting piston  140  and a closing sleeve  150  disposed at least partially in the barrel  110 . The closing sleeve  150  includes second fluid openings  153 . The stage collar  100  includes a third set of shear fasteners  124  coupling the closing sleeve  150  to the barrel  110 . The stage collar  100  includes an activation end ring  125  coupled to the activation sleeve  120 , and a closing end ring  151  coupled to the closing sleeve  150 . The closing end ring  151  includes a closing seat  152 . The stage collar  100  includes a first chamber housing  160  disposed at least partially about the activation sleeve  120  and coupled to the barrel  110 , and a second chamber housing  165  interfacing with and coupled to the first chamber housing  160 . The first chamber housing  160  includes a housing seat  161  extending inwardly. The second chamber housing  165  is coupled to the setting piston  140  using a fourth set of shear fasteners  126 . 
     The first set of shear fasteners  122  are disposed in a first set of fastener openings  127  extending into an outer surface  128  of the activation sleeve  120 . The second set of shear fasteners  123  are disposed in a second set of fastener openings  111  extending into an outer surface  112  of the barrel  110 . The third set of shear fasteners  124  are disposed in a third set of fastener openings  113  extending into the outer surface  112  of the barrel  110 . The fourth set of shear fasteners  126  are disposed in a fourth set of fastener openings  166  extending into an outer surface  167  of the second chamber housing  165 . Each of the shear fasteners  123 ,  124 ,  126  is externally adjustable from an outer side of the stage collar  100 . In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, each of the shear fasteners  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  126  is a shear screw or a shear pin. The shear fasteners  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  126  can be adjusted by turning and/or replacing the respective shear fasteners  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  126 . 
     Each of the shear fasteners  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  126  is adjustable to adjust the respective pressures (e.g., the shear strength) at which the shear fasteners  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  126  shear. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, a second shear strength of the second set of shear fasteners  123  is higher than a first shear strength of the first set of shear fasteners  122 , a third shear strength of the third set of shear fasteners  124  is higher than the second shear strength of the second set of shear fasteners  123 , and a fourth shear strength of the fourth set of shear fasteners  126  is higher than the first shear strength of the first set of shear fasteners  122 . 
     A first flow chamber  162  is formed in the first chamber housing  160 , and a second flow chamber  168  is formed in the second chamber housing  165 . A flow gap  105  is between the activation sleeve  120  and the first chamber housing  160 . A bypass line  106  is formed in the first chamber housing  160  and in fluid communication with the first flow chamber  162 , and a check valve  107  is positioned along the bypass line  106 . 
     The stage collar  100  includes a plurality of arcuate plates  115  (two are shown in  FIG.  2   ) coupled to the activation sleeve  120 . The arcuate plates  115  are each disposed at least partially in a respective recess  116  formed in the activation sleeve  120 . The stage collar  100  includes a plurality of keys  170  (two are shown in  FIG.  2   ). Each key  170  includes a key plate  171  coupled to the barrel  110  and a key post  172  extending relative to the key plate  171  and into a respective slot  173  formed in the barrel  110  and into a respective slot  187  formed in the activation sleeve  120 . Each arcuate plate  115  includes a plate slot  118  aligned with the respective slot  187  of the activation sleeve  120 . 
     The stage collar  100  includes a mandrel  175 , a packer  176  disposed outwardly of the mandrel  175 , and a plurality of slips  177  disposed outwardly of the mandrel  175 . The stage collar  100  includes a gauge ring  178  disposed about the mandrel  175  and an inner wedge ring  133  disposed between the gauge ring  178  and the mandrel  175 . The second chamber housing  165  is coupled to the mandrel  175 , and the barrel  110  is coupled to the first chamber housing  160 . The stage collar  100  includes a first wedge ring  181  and a second wedge ring  182 . The plurality of slips  177  are disposed between the first wedge ring  181  and the second wedge ring  182 . The packer  176  is disposed between the gauge ring  178  and the first wedge ring  181 . A first sub  183  is coupled to the barrel  110  and a second sub  184  is coupled to the mandrel  175 . The first sub  183  is a box sub and the second sub  184  is a pin sub. 
     The stage collar  100  is ran downhole in the wellbore  102 , within a casing  103  of the wellbore  102 . The cone  109  (shown in dashed lines in  FIG.  2   ) is pumped down and lands against the activation seat  131  of the activation ring  130 . The cone  109  is pressurized at a first pressure using an operations fluid F 1  to shear the first set of shear fasteners  122 . 
       FIG.  4    is a schematic isometric view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  1    in a set configuration, according to one implementation.  FIG.  5    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  4   , according to one implementation. 
     The pressurizing of the cone  109  at the first pressure shears the first set of shear fasteners  122  and translates the activation ring  130  to abut the activation ring  130  against the activation end ring  125  coupled to the activation sleeve  120 . The translation of the activation ring  130  opens the first fluid openings  121  formed in the activation sleeve  120 . The first fluid openings  121  are free of shear fasteners such that the operations fluid F 1  flows through the first fluid openings  121  and into the flow gap  105 . The operations fluid F 1  flows through the flow gap  105  and into the first flow chamber  162  of the first chamber housing  160 . The operations fluid F 1  flows through the first flow chamber  162  and into the second flow chamber  168  of the second chamber housing  165 . The operations fluid F 1  flows through the second flow chamber  168  and against the setting piston  140 . The operations fluid F 1  is a hydraulic fluid, such as a drilling fluid (for example, a drilling mud). 
     Using the operations fluid F 1 , the setting piston  140  is pressurized at a second pressure through the first fluid openings  121 . In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the pressurizing of the setting piston  140  at the second pressure shears the fourth set of shear fasteners  126  to translate the setting piston  140 . The translation of the setting piston  140  after the shearing of the fourth set of shear fasteners  126  sets the packer  176  and the slips  177  into the set configuration. The translation of the setting piston  140  abuts against and moves the inner wedge ring  133  and the gauge ring  178  to compress the packer  176  and move the first wedge ring  181 . The setting into the set configuration includes the packer  176  and the slips  177  moving outwardly to engage the casing  103 . The compression of the packer  176  moves the packer  176  outwardly and the movement of the first wedge ring  181  moves the slips  177  outwardly. 
     In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the pressurizing of the setting piston  140  at the second pressure fully sets the packer  176  and the slips  177 . In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the pressurizing of the setting piston  140  at the second pressure at least partially sets the packer  176  and the slips  177 . In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the stage collar  100  has a gas seal rating of V 0 . 
     An interference interface  134  between the inner wedge ring  133  and the mandrel  175  allows movement of the inner wedge ring  133  and the gauge ring  178  in a first direction D 1  and prevents movement of the inner wedge ring  133  and the gauge ring  178  in a second direction D 2 . The interference interface  134  facilitates retaining the stage collar  100  in the set configuration after the setting of the stage collar  100 . In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the interference interface  134  includes interfacing ratchet teeth (e.g., teeth threads) formed in each of the inner wedge ring  133  and the mandrel  175 . 
     Using the activation ring  130 , the activation end ring  125 , the closing end ring  151 , the first set of shear fasteners  122 , the second set of shear fasteners  123 , the third set of shear fasteners  124 , and the fourth set of shear fasteners  126 , the stage collar  100  facilitates simply and reliably: opening the first fluid openings  121 , closing the first fluid openings  121 , setting the stage collar  100 , opening the second and third fluid openings  153 ,  117 , and closing the second and third fluid openings  153 ,  117 . The stage collar  100  facilitates doing so in a mature fashion without prematurely initiating the actions. As an example, the relatively small exterior surfaces  132 ,  154  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) of the activation ring  130  and the closing end ring  151  facilitate reducing the probability that the stage collar  100  would be prematurely set, prematurely opened, and/or prematurely closed. 
       FIG.  6    is a schematic isometric view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  1    in an open configuration, according to one implementation.  FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  6   , according to one implementation.  FIG.  8    is an enlarged view of the schematic isometric view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  6   , according to one implementation. The barrel  110  is shown as transparent (e.g., see-through) in  FIG.  6   . 
     Using the operations fluid F 1 , the cone  109  is pressurized at a third pressure. The pressurizing of the cone  109  at the third pressure shears the second set of shear fasteners  123  and translates the activation sleeve  120  to an open position shown in  FIG.  7   . The translation of the activation sleeve  120  to the open position includes opening second fluid openings  153  formed in the closing sleeve  150  and third fluid openings  117  formed in the barrel  110 . The translation of the activation sleeve  120  includes closing the first fluid openings  121 . The translation of the activation sleeve  120  to the open position includes abutting the activation sleeve  120  against the housing seat  161  of the first chamber housing  160 . 
     In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the operations fluid F 1  flows outwardly into a casing annulus  104  through the second fluid openings  153  and the third fluid openings  117  prior to pumping of cementing fluid C 1 . The operations fluid F 1  flows into the bypass line  106  from the casing annulus  104 . The operations fluid F 1  flows into the first flow chamber  162  through the check valve  107 . The operations fluid F 1  flows into the second flow chamber  168  and pressurizes the setting piston  140 . In such an embodiment (such as an embodiment where the second pressure does not fully set the packer  176  and the slips  177 ), the operations fluid F 1  at the third pressure can be used to pressurize the setting piston  140  through the bypass line  106  to set the packer  176  and the slips  177  to engage the casing  103 . In such an embodiment, the check valve  107  is configured to open upon the casing annulus  104  being pressurized at the third pressure. Using the bypass line  106 , the stage collar  100  facilitates redundant opportunities to set the stage collar  100 , which facilitates simply and reliably setting the stage collar  100 . The operations fluid F 1  can be exhausted, and a cementing fluid C 1  is pumped into the casing annulus  104  through the second fluid openings  153  and the third fluid openings  117  to cement a stage (e.g., a section) of the casing annulus  104  located uphole of the packer  176 . The translation of the activation sleeve  120  translates the arcuate plates  115  at least partially out of the respective recesses  116 . The translation of the arcuate plates  115  positions the key posts  172  at least partially into the respective plate slots  118 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the translation of the activation sleeve  120  to the open position positions the activation sleeve  120  such that one or more seals between the activation sleeve  120  and the first chamber housing  160  are positioned between the first fluid openings  121  and the first flow chamber  162  to seal the first flow chamber  162  from the first fluid openings  121 . The one or more seals can block the operations fluid F 1  and/or the cementing fluid C 1  from flowing into the first flow chamber  162  from the first fluid openings  121 . 
       FIG.  9    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  6   , according to one implementation. After the stage cementing is complete, a plug member  901 , such as a dart or cone, is pumped downhole to position the plug member  901  against the closing seat  152  of the closing end ring  151  coupled to the closing sleeve  150 . The plug member  901  is pressurized using the operations fluid F 1 . 
       FIG.  10    is a schematic isometric view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  1    in a closed configuration, according to one implementation.  FIG.  11    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stage collar  100  shown in  FIG.  10   , according to one implementation. The pressurizing of the plug member  901  using the operations fluid F 1  shears the third set of fasteners  124  and translates the closing sleeve  150  to the closed position. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the plug member  901  is pressurized at a fourth pressure to shear the third set of fasteners  124 . The translation of the closing sleeve  150  to the closed position includes closing the second fluid openings  153  formed in the closing sleeve  150  and closing the third fluid openings  117  formed in the barrel  110 . In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the second pressure is higher than the first pressure, and the third pressure is higher than the second pressure. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the fourth pressure is higher than the third pressure. 
     Portions of the stage collar  100  can be drilled out. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the stage collar  100  is drilled out for further downhole operations by drilling out at least a portion of the closing end ring  151 , drilling out the activation ring  130 , and drilling out the activation end ring  125 . Aspects of the stage collar  100  (such as the closing end ring  151 , the activation ring  130 , and the activation end ring  125 ) facilitate drilling out less material and less components of the stage collar  100  relative to other stage collars to facilitate a simple, cost-effective, and reliable drill out of the stage collar. 
     The activation sleeve  120  is formed of steel, such as carbon steel or stainless steel, to facilitate reduced costs and simple manufacturing of the activation sleeve  120 . Each of the closing end ring  151 , the activation ring  130 , and the activation end ring  125  is formed of a drillable material. 
       FIG.  12    is a schematic block diagram view of a method  1200  of operating a stage collar, according to one implementation. 
     Operation  1202  includes running the stage collar in a wellbore in a run configuration. One or more sets of shear fasteners of the stage collar can be adjusted (such as by turning and/or replacing the shear fasteners) to adjust the shear strength(s) at which the one or more sets of shear fasteners shear prior to running the stage collar. The one or more sets of shear fasteners can be adjusted in the field, such as at a wellsite. 
     Operation  1204  includes positioning a plug member, such as a cone, against an activation seat of an activation ring. The activation ring is coupled to an activation sleeve using a first set of shear fasteners. The activation sleeve is disposed at least partially in a barrel and coupled to the barrel using a second set of shear fasteners. 
     Operation  1206  includes pressurizing the cone at a first pressure to shear the first set of shear fasteners and translate the activation ring to abut the activation ring against an activation end ring coupled to the activation sleeve. The translation of the activation ring includes opening first fluid openings formed in the activation sleeve. 
     Operation  1208  includes pressurizing a setting piston at a second pressure through the first fluid openings. 
     Operation  1210  includes pressurizing the cone at a third pressure to shear the second set of shear fasteners and translate the activation sleeve to an open position. The translation of the activation sleeve to the open position includes opening second fluid openings formed in a closing sleeve disposed at least partially in the barrel and coupled to the barrel using a third set of shear fasteners. 
     Operation  1212  includes pumping a cementing fluid through the second fluid openings and into a casing annulus. 
     Operation  1214  includes positioning another plug member against a closing seat of a closing end ring coupled to the closing sleeve. 
     Operation  1216  includes pressurizing the plug member to shear the third set of fasteners and translate the closing sleeve to a closed position. The translation of the closing sleeve to the closed position includes closing the second fluid openings formed in the closing sleeve. 
     Operation  1218  includes drilling out the stage collar. The drilling out includes drilling out: at least a portion of the closing end ring, at least a portion of the activation ring, and at least a portion of the activation end ring. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, a portion of the closing end ring is drilled out, the activation ring is drilled out, and the activation end ring is drilled out. 
       FIG.  13    is a schematic isometric view of a stage collar  1300  for cementing operations in a run configuration, according to one implementation. The stage collar  1300  is similar to the stage collar  100 , and includes one or more aspects, features, components, operations, and/or properties thereof. 
     In the implementation shown in  FIG.  2   , the activation end ring  125  is coupled to the activation sleeve  120  using a plurality of fasteners (such as screws or bolts). In the implementation shown in  FIG.  13   , the activation end ring  125  is coupled to the activation sleeve  120  using one or more snap rings  1301  positioned between the activation end ring  125  and a shoulder  1302  of the activation sleeve. 
     In the implementation shown in  FIG.  2   , the closing end ring  151  is coupled to the closing sleeve  150  using a plurality of fasteners (such as screws or bolts). In the implementation shown in  FIG.  13   , the closing end ring  151  can be pushed to engage the closing sleeve  150 . An anti-rotation interface can be formed between the closing end ring  151  and the closing sleeve  150 . One or more lug portions  1303  of the closing end ring  151  abut against one or more recessed shoulders  1304  of the closing sleeve  150  to limit rotation of the closing end ring  151  and the closing sleeve  150  relative to each other. The limited rotation facilitates drilling out the closing end ring  151  and the closing sleeve  150  after the stage collar  1300  is used. 
     A second anti-rotation interface can be formed between the activation end ring  125  and the activation ring  130 . For example, opposing and interlocking shoulders of the activation end ring  125  and the activation ring  130  can abut against each other (thereby limiting rotation of the activation ring  130  and the activation end ring  125  relative to each other) when the activation ring  130  is moved to abut against the activation end ring  125 . The limited rotation facilitates drilling out the activation ring  130  and the activation end ring  125  after the stage collar  1300  is used. 
     In the implementation shown in  FIG.  13   , the  105 , the  162 , and the  140  are continuously exposed to a bore pressure (e.g., the pressure of the operations fluid F 1 ) after the  130  moves to the set configuration. For example, the  105 , the  162 , and the  140  are continuously exposed to the bore pressure during the set configuration, the open configuration, and the closed configuration. The continuous exposure facilitates preventing build-up of hydraulic lock and facilitates overpressure of the stage collar  1300 . 
     In the implementation shown in  FIG.  13   , a planar surface of the inner wedge ring  133  abuts against a planar surface of the gauge ring  178 . A space  1307  is disposed between the inner wedge ring  133  and a leg of the gauge ring  178 . 
     In the implementation shown in  FIG.  13    the slips  177  each have spaces  1308  (e.g., grooves) formed therein. Guide pins can be disposed in the spaces  1308 . Composite spacers (e.g., composite C-rings) can be disposed in the spaces  1308 . Components such as wires, rings, and/or other components can be disposed in the spaces  1308  until the stage collar  1300  is set to hold the slips  177  in place, and during setting the components can shear, break, or disassemble while the slips  177  move outward. The stage collar  1300  includes one or more snap rings  1309  and a gap  1310  between the first flow chamber  162  and the setting piston  140 . 
       FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of the stage collar  1300  shown in  FIG.  13   , according to one implementation. The stage collar  1300  includes a pressure balance assembly  1410 . The pressure balance assembly  1410  includes two seats  1411 ,  1412  and a ball  1413 . The ball  1413  is supported on a pin  1414 . Before the setting piston  140  moves to the set configuration, the setting piston  140  is under the pin  1414 , which supports the ball  1413  in a middle position such that operations fluid F 1  can flow either way around the ball  1413 . As the setting piston  140  moves to the set configuration, the setting piston  140  moves out from under the pin  1414 , allowing the pin to drop such that the ball  1413  can free float. The ball  1413  can then be used as a two-way check valve. When fluid flows into the stage collar  1300 , the ball  1413  seats against the first seat  1411  and blocks the flow. When fluid flows out of the stage collar  1300 , the ball  1413  seats against the second seat  1412  and blocks the flow. The ball  1413  and pin  1414  can be separate components or can be integrated together. The pressure balance assembly  1410  facilitates reduced damage (e.g., crushing) of the stage collar  1300  as the stage collar  1300  is lowered to increasing depths before the stage collar  1300  is set into the set configuration. 
     Benefits of the present disclosure include redundant opportunities to set stage collars, tight gas seal ratings for stage collars, simply and reliably setting stage collars in a mature fashion, reliable operation (such as for stage cementing operations), reduced operational delays, and reduced costs. Benefits of the present disclosure also include drilling out less material and less components of the stage collar relative to other stage collars to facilitate a simple, cost-effective, and reliable drill out of the stage collar  100 . 
     Using aspects described herein, it is believed that there is a 50% less probability of prematurely setting the stage collar  100  relative to other stage collars. 
     It is contemplated that one or more of the aspects disclosed herein may be combined. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or more of these aspects may include some or all of the aforementioned benefits. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that one or more aspects, features, components, operations, and/or properties of the stage collar  100 , the stage collar  1300 , the pressure balance assembly  1410 , and/or the method  1200  may be combined. As an example, it is contemplated that one or more operations described in relation to the stage collar  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 11    can be combined with the operations of the method  1200 . 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that all modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims may include all such modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements. The disclosure also contemplates that one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein may be substituted in for one or more of the other aspects described. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.