Apparatus and method for quenching rods and tubes

Apparatus for statically quenching rods and tubes equipped with a main development axis (A) and coming from a rolling plant, the apparatus comprising a seat for housing a rod or tube equipped with positioning axis (Z), so that when the rod or tube is housed in the seat the main development axis (A) of the rod or tube coincides with the positioning axis (Z), a series of first external nozzles for dispensing quenching agent arranged around the positioning axis (Z), wherein the first external nozzles are arranged along a curvilinear surface, substantially equidistant from the positioning axis (Z), the first external nozzles being adjustable so as deliver a flow of quenching agent tangential to the surface of the rod or tube, wherein longitudinally moving means and lifting means are comprised for positioning the rod or tube coming from the rolling plant so that the main development axis (A) of the rod or tube coincides with the positioning axis (Z),

• wherein the curvilinear surface has an absence of first external nozzles which defines an opening at the bottom so that the first external nozzles are arranged asymmetrically, that possible detached pieces due to possible cracks fall freely and that the lifting means, supporting the product and permitting the evacuation, pass through the opening at the bottom of the curvilinear surface.