Method for continuous manufacture of high dropping point lithium complex soap grease

A continuous process for preparing a high dropping point lithium complex soap grease which comprises continuously introducing a reaction mixture, comprising a C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 dicarboxylic acid and a C.sub.12 to C.sub.24 hydroxy fatty acid in a mole ratio ranging from about 1:10 to 1:0.5 respectively, a lithium base and a lubricating oil into a reaction zone wherein said mixture is heated to a temperature from about 250.degree.to 350.degree. F. under a pressure sufficient to maintain the water in the liquid state and under turbulent mixing conditions sufficient to obtain adequate contact between the reactants for a period of time sufficient to obtain a substantially complete reaction to form a lithium complex soap, continuously withdrawing a product stream from said reaction zone, introducing additional lubricating oil into said product stream to give said grease mixture enough fluidity for circulation, continuously introducing said grease mixture into a dehydration zone maintained at a temperature ranging from about 325.degree. to 425.degree. F. under a pressure ranging from about atmospheric to about 10 inches of mercury vacumn and circulating said mixture from the bottom to the top of said dehydration zone through a recycle line and a shear valve having a pressure drop across said valve of from 10 to 150 lbs. per square inch continuously withdrawing a product stream from said dehydration zone and cooling said product stream to provide a finished grease composition.