LIFTA is a highly effective polymer used for transporting heavy materials and cleaning the wellbore. Polymers enhance the shear-thinning behavior and increase the yield stress of the system, enabling efficient transport of cuttings in the annulus where low shear rates occur. LIFTA also imparts gel strength to the system, or strengthens existing gel properties, allowing cuttings to remain suspended during periods when circulation is stopped. LIFTA is also known as Xanthan Gum.