At a glance
Zilift artificial lift intervention and restoration technologies
Zilift technologies are now part of SLB's electrical submersible pumping (ESP) portfolio.
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Acquired by Schlumberger (now SLB) on April 2, 2021; founded May 2009 in Aberdeen, Scotland.
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Two flagship product lines integrated: Zilift SpeedDrive through-tubing ESP deployment system and Zilift TorqueDrive electric submersible PCP system.
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Zilift technology continuing through SLB restored production in shut-in and failed-ESP wells, reducing installation time from 10–15 days to 6–8 hours, avoiding workover rigs, recovering 33,000 bbl of deferred oil, and generating an estimated USD 3.3 million in value.
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SLB ESP systems lift from 200 to 95,000 bbl/d across land, offshore, and subsea wells.
About Zilift artificial lift
Founded in May 2009 and headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, Zilift was established to develop and market permanent magnet technologies for innovative artificial lift applications. Zilift pioneered compact, electrically driven systems designed to restore or enhance production without large-scale mechanical intervention, enabling pump placement in wells where no viable solution previously existed.
Two flagship product lines defined the Zilift technology identity. Zilift SpeedDrive through-tubing ESP deployment system enabled cable- and wireline-deployed ESP placement without a rig. Zilift TorqueDrive electric submersible progressing cavity pump (PCP) system delivered an integrated downhole drivetrain for heavy oil, high-solids, slimhole, and deviated wells. The Zilift SpeedDrive and TorqueDrive product lines are fully incorporated into the SLB portfolio.
Acquired by Schlumberger on April 2, 2021, and subsequently integrated when Schlumberger rebranded as SLB in 2022, Zilift innovations continue to inform SLB’s approach to safer, more efficient production recovery across land, offshore, and subsea wells. Read Market Screener's press release.
Zilift’s artificial lift, intervention, and restoration technologies are now integrated into SLB. Core capabilities—including electrically driven artificial lift, through-tubing deployment, and real-time production monitoring—continue through SLB’s artificial lift portfolio. This gives operators rigless retrieval and redeployment options that reduce intervention costs and HSE exposure in offshore, subsea, and restricted-access wells.
Find Zilift artificial lift services at SLB
If you are looking for a specific capability previously provided under the Zilift brand, the table below maps each legacy technology to its closest current area in the SLB portfolio.
| Zilift legacy service or technology | Related SLB solution |
|---|---|
| Zilift legacy service or technology Zilift SpeedDrive through-tubing ESP deployment | Related SLB solution Electric submersible pumps |
| Zilift legacy service or technology Zilift TorqueDrive electric submersible PCP | Related SLB solution ESPCP systems |
| Zilift legacy service or technology Zilift through-tubing and wireline deployment | Related SLB solution ESPs for alternative deployment |
| Zilift legacy service or technology Zilift subsea and offshore intervention systems | Related SLB solution Subsea production systems |
| Zilift legacy service or technology Zilift subsea boosting and multiphase systems | Related SLB solution Subsea processing systems |
| Zilift legacy service or technology Zilift ESP optimization tools | Related SLB solution Optimizing artificial lift |
Frequently asked questions about Zilift
What happened to Zilift?
Zilift was acquired by Schlumberger on April 2, 2021. When Schlumberger rebranded as SLB in 2022, Zilift’s technologies were fully integrated into SLB’s artificial lift and production portfolio.
Is Zilift still an independent company?
No. Zilift no longer operates as an independent company. Schlumberger (now SLB) acquired Zilift Limited on April 2, 2021. All artificial lift and downhole intervention technologies developed under the Zilift brand — including SpeedDrive and TorqueDrive — continue under the SLB brand. If you are looking for a Zilift product or service, it is now available through SLB.
Can I still get rigless ESP deployment from SLB?
Yes. SLB offers a portfolio of ESPs for alternative deployment that enables retrieval and redeployment of standard ESPs using wireline, coiled tubing, or sucker rods — eliminating workover rig time, reducing deferred production, and lowering HSE exposure and emissions. The Shuttle™ rigless ESP replacement system is the direct successor to the rigless deployment capability Zilift SpeedDrive pioneered.
Find related Zilift capabilities in the SLB portfolio
Technologies developed under the Zilift brand — including electrically driven artificial lift, through-tubing deployment, and electric submersible PCP systems — are integrated into the SLB artificial lift and production portfolio. Explore the related SLB solutions below.
Explore SLB artificial lift technologies