Foam-lift systems alter the physical properties of the produced fluid by applying surfactants. Surface tension and apparent liquid density are altered to reduce the critical velocity needed to lift water from the system. The surfactants react with water; so application is effectively limited to wells in which most of the liquid phase is water rather than hydrocarbon. Foam-lift systems excel in deliquification of low-reservoir-pressure wells that need to be continuously produced to high line pressures and when tubing restrictions or tapered strings hamper plunger-lift application.Engineering the Cap String

In foam-lift deliquification systems, we combine Weatherford's Engineered Chemistry^® and capillary technologies. Our W-CAP^® chemistry is lab and field tested in capillary application, offering insurance against unexpected chemical-system breakdown. Our capillary coiled-tubing units have set the design standard for rapid, easy and safe installation operations. And ultimately our advanced evaluation techniques are industry-accepted standards and ensure as-predicted well response.

Capillary-Certified Chemicals for Unloading

Designed specifically for capillary applications, our capillary-certified chemicals provide protection from potential chemical breakdown and plugging in the capillary string.The combination of our lift experience and the competence of our chemists has developed unique and proprietary Engineered Chemistry solutions that not only solve liquid-loading problems in gas wells but also inhibit scale and prevent accumulation of salt and sulfide stress-corrosion cracking.

Capillary Technologies

Weatherford's capillary installation equipment and procedures are the safest and most advanced in the world today. We led the industry when we introduced blowout preventers to cap-string installations. Weatherford's application screening techniques have become industry standards. We also provide a complete suite of hangers, capillary tubes and foot valves, and we tailor our designs to optimize financial return on your investment in your well.

Critical Velocity Reduction (CVR™) System

Our innovative CVR system integrates multiple components of Weatherford's artificial-lift technology in a single, comprehensive solution for economic unloading of produced fluids across extended perforation intervals. The patented CVR system uses mechanical and chemical alteration to a system's critical velocity. It combines the best attributes of dead-string area reduction, chemical-foamer injection, tubing flow to surface, and plunger lift to help the well attain performance levels not possible when these lift methods are used individually.