Method and system for performing an infrared treatment

A method for performing an infrared treatment in an infrared oven, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving an extruded product;
• feeding the extruded product to an oven having a plurality of lamp units, each lamp units including a plurality of lamps, a reflective surface enclosing a first side of each lamp and positioned to direct radiation from the lamp into parallel rays of radiation, and a glass disposed between a second side of each lamp and an extruded product, wherein the glass separates the lamp and the extruded product;
• positioning two lamps along a first axis and two lamps along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
• creating cross-linking between layers of the extruded product by directing the parallel rays of radiation at the extruded product;
• directing a first gas flow at a surface of the extruded product to cool the extruded product;
• directing a second gas flow at the glasses at an intensity, direction, and temperature that prevents the glasses from becoming infrared sources;
• wherein the first and second gas flows are not in fluid communication with either of the lamps;
• and
• supplying a third gas flow into the housing through a channel on the first side of the housing.

A method of cooling a plastic or elastomeric product in a cross-linking process, the method including the steps of:

• receiving an extruded plastic or elastomeric product;
• feeding the extruded plastic or elastomeric product to an oven having at least one lamp unit, the least one lamp unit including a housing in which is disclosed a lamp positioned to direct radiation at the plastic or elastomeric product;
• directing a first air at the glass between the glass and the extruded product;
• directing a second air flow into the housing that holds the at least one lamp to provide a cooling effect within the housing;
• and
• wherein the first and second air flows are separate air flows that are isolated from one another.