Method and apparatus for producing compound powders

A method for producing non-metallic, refractory compound powder, the method comprising:

• providing a metal to a first stage of an apparatus;
• superheating, by a heating mechanism in the first stage of the apparatus, the metal to a temperature that is higher than a melting point of the metal;
• supplying an inert gas in the first stage of the apparatus in a way that reduces a probability of a reactive gas inflowing from a second stage of the apparatus into the first stage of the apparatus;
• receiving, in the second stage of the apparatus, the superheated metal in a first direction;
• supplying, in the second stage of the apparatus, the reactive gas to (1) atomize the superheated metal into liquid droplets, and (2) react with the liquid droplets so as to form the non-metallic, refractory compound powder,
• wherein, in an extension of the second stage of the apparatus, at least a portion of the reactive gas is supplied in a second direction that is different than the first direction so as to change a falling direction of the liquid droplets and increase a reaction time available for the liquid droplets and the reactive gas to form the non-metallic, refractory compound powder in the second stage of the apparatus;
• monitoring a temperature and a pressure of the second stage of the apparatus;
• and selectively diluting the reactive gas with the inert gas based on the monitored temperature and pressure of the second stage of the apparatus.