A furnace for heat treating a workpiece is provided, comprising at least one high pressure heating zone including at least one fluid impingement device capable of directing a heated fluid medium at a workpiece within the furnace, wherein the fluid impingement device is less than about 6 inches from the workpiece and/or is capable of directing the heated fluid medium at the workpiece at least 4,000 feet per minute. The furnace may further comprise a rotating mechanism for rotating the workpiece, a gripping mechanism for inverting the workpiece, and/or a soak zone including an air recirculation system downstream from the high pressure heating zone. The system may further comprise a process control temperature station and/or a sand reclamation system.