Channel inductor

A channel inductor of a channel induction furnace for an Al/Zn alloy that contains sodium, the channel inductor comprising:

• (a) a channel liner in contact with molten alloy in the furnace, wherein the material of the channel liner includes a source of silicon in the original material of the channel liner, and the channel liner includes a denser phase formed as a result of a chemical reaction between the original material of the channel liner and the molten alloy, with the denser phase making the channel liner more resistant to penetration by molten alloy and more resistant to the development of channel blockages, and (b) a back-up liner that supports the channel liner such that the integrity of the channel liner is not compromised during heat-up, dry-out, or operation of the channel induction furnace, wherein the material of the back-up lining is an aluminosilicate refractory composite material that contains 60-95 wt. % alumina that is capable of absorbing stresses due to expansion and movement of the channel liner.