A problem of estimating the velocity of subsidence of a column of charge materials using non-contact methods was considered. This is important because the level of furnace charge materials and the velocity of their subsidence are main indicators of melting intensity determining the furnace productivity. The design of a blast furnace and its blast path were described and existing methods and means of controlling the velocity of charge materials in the blast furnace were analyzed. A mathematical model was presented for estimating the velocity of subsidence of charge materials in a blast furnace based on the magnitude and fluctuations of gas pressure along the furnace shaft height. The model is based on the fact that the furnace gases rise up in the furnace shaft through elementary channels in the column of charge materials consisting of a combination of capacitances and resistances. Volume of capacities and values of resistance of elementary channels are constantly changing. This changes hydraulic resistance to gas movement in the blast furnace. The system of differential equations describes the dependence of the amplitude of pressure fluctuations on the amplitude of change in coefficients of resistance and frequency of pressure fluctuations on the frequency of change in coefficients of resistance. The experimental data on velocity of the column of charge materials and fluctuations in the pressure differential in the furnace were processed and their significant relationship was shown to confirm the previous theoretical study results. To assess the model adequacy, the simulation method was used. The results of the simulation model work were confirmed by experimental data. The developed mathematical model can be introduced into production. This will make it more economical and safer through better and more predictable control and improved flexibility in operation under different production conditions.