Apparatus and methods for conditioning well fluid from an underground hydrocarbon reservoir

A method of conditioning well fluid from an underground hydrocarbon reservoir being extracted through well tubing, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a tubular mandrel having first and second ends, and defining a mandrel bore between said first and second ends, at least said first end being adapted for connecting said tubular mandrel to said well tubing;
• positioning a plurality of well fluid contacting structures within said mandrel bore to define a non-linear path for said well fluid to pass through said mandrel bore from said first connector end to said second connector end;
• containing said well fluid contacting structures within said mandrel bore using a pair of screens positioned in said mandrel bore, between said first and second ends, each of said pair of screens having a plurality of openings, said openings being sized and shaped to allow said well fluid to pass therethrough, while containing said well fluid contacting structures in said mandrel bore;
• connecting said tubular mandrel to said well tubing;
• and
• passing said well fluid through said well tubing;
• wherein said conditioned well fluid reduces formation of paraffin deposits in said well tubing.