in a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil , a surfactant is injected into the an oil well such that the surface tension between a lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and / or a lift gas - formation fluid foam is formed . the reduction in surface tension and / or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface . the surfactant is a silicone resin which may be combined with other surfactants , in some embodiments . it is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure . it is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims .