ORPHANED WELL SEARCH AND ASSESSMENT OPTIMIZATION IN OSAGE NATION OKLAHOMA

The Department of Energy's CATALOG Program aims to locate and assess Undocumented Orphan Wells (UOWs), with active participation from multiple national laboratories, universities, and private organizations across the United States. The initiative focuses on establishing optimal methods for identifying and evaluating these wells. This article presents findings from research conducted on the Osage Nation in the Osage Ranch and surrounding areas in Oklahoma. Data was collected using rotary and fixed-wing drones equipped with magnetometers and methane sensors to survey roughly ten square kilometers of area and the wells residing in that area, including some with methane leaks. Various flight parameters were tested to balance well identification, characterization, efficiency, and scalability. These insights are guiding the development of future strategies involving larger fixed-wing and rotary drones, aiming to bridge the gap between costly manned flights and more economical drone operations.