The condition of the coke bed in the lower zones of the blast furnace determines the nature of liquids flow into and through the hearth. Methods for monitoring the condition of deadman cleanliness and coke bed voidage at the taphole level have been developed. Influences on metal chemistry and hearth refractory heat loads are discussed. This paper also discusses strategies for management of taphole performance by application of operator guidance techniques which employ real time data acquisition and the on-line application of mathematical models of liquids removal during casting. Recommendation strategies for installed clay volume and taphole opening/closure times are discussed.