Composition and method of manufacturing and using extremely rheopectic sulfonate-based greases

A method for making an extremely rheopectic sulfonate-based grease, the method comprising the steps of:

• adding an overbased magnesium sulfonate;
• adding a facilitating acid;
• adding water;
• adding an overbased calcium sulfonate having amorphous calcium carbonate dispersed therein according to one of the following steps:
• (A) adding all of the overbased calcium sulfonate after the adding the overbased magnesium sulfonate step and after the adding the facilitating acid step or
• (B)(1) adding a first portion of the overbased calcium sulfonate (i) prior to, during, or after the adding the overbased magnesium sulfonate step and (ii) prior to the adding the facilitating acid step and (2) adding a second portion of the overbased calcium sulfonate after the adding the facilitating acid step;
• converting a first mixture comprising the overbased magnesium sulfonate, the facilitating acid, at least a first portion of the water, and the overbased calcium sulfonate to a converted mixture by heating until conversion of the amorphous calcium carbonate dispersed in the overbased calcium sulfonate to a crystalline form has occurred;
• and
• wherein the extremely rheopectic sulfonate-based grease comprises a fluid-like and pumpable consistency after the converting step and only takes on a grease-like consistency after milling or shearing.