Abstract: A system and method of cleaning a desanding vessel is provided including determining that sand has settled in the accumulation zone of the vessel, isolating and depressurizing the vessel and introducing a flush or wash fluid into the vessel. The wash fluid is introduced via a flush inlet at or near the process gas outlet of the vessel, and at a purge rate to fluidize sand in the accumulation zone and form a slurry. The slurry is collected from the vessel at a flush outlet downstream from the flush inlet. The purge rate is maintained for elutriation of the fluidized sand in the slurry, through the vessel and out of the flush outlet.