apparatus is provided whereby maximum options for the treatment of steel rod in direct sequence with rolling are available within a single piece of equipment , all on a single treatment line , and all at convenient , labor free , push - button control . maximum application of heat to the rod is provided for heat treating , slow - cooling or intermittent reheat cooling or treating , and alternatively maximum application of cooling air is available by means of individually controllable air ducts and guides associated with each roller conveyor for applying air at different pressures both across and / or along the conveyor . special means for applying forced air to the rod through outlets in contact with the rod assure maximum penetration of cooling air into the dense parts of the lay . special forms of rollers are provided for applying cooling air to the rod and to the rollers as well as for supporting rod during heat treatment .