Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Kellogg Air Compressor

Hello

I recently acquired a very old Kellogg Air Compressor.

Here is a link to some pics of the compressor.
Air Compressor Pics (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=75731&l=52890&id=535703759)

As you can see in the pics, this compressor is about 50 years old. I haven't calculated how many gallon it is, but I would guess that it is around 50 gal.

My question is: I would like to increase the pressure of the safety relief valve. It is currently at 125 PSI. I have read that your safety valve is typically supposed to be 30 PSI higher than your desired max pressure.
I don't think the valve that is currently on the compressor is original. I would like to increase the pressure to around 160-175 PSI. Does anyone think this is a bad idea? My cheapo Husky Compressor has a 175 PSI valve.

Here is a link to the valve that I am considering:
SV11225-175 Safety Valve (175 PSI ,106 CFM, 1/4 in. MPT) (http://store.ecompressedair.com/detail.aspx?ID=22433)

Any advice would be great.

Thank You

The pressure release valve is usually sized according to the max pressure of tank. It's sole purpose is to let out excess air if the pressure gets to great. You never want to meet or excede the tanks pressure rating!! I would be especially leary of increasing the valve pressure on an older tank. An exploding tank wouldn't be pretty!

Any special reason you need so much air pressure? While I've had the need for more cfm I don't remember 125psi ever not being enough.

Would a tank have a max PSI listed somewhere on the tank? I suppose I don't totally understand the difference between pressure and CFM, but I run my Husky Compressor at 150 PSI, and it seems running it that high that I have longer run time before the pump kicks on with more run time before the pressure drops below the usable range. I most use the compressor for blowing things off, framing nailer, and impact wrench.

I don't know for sure but I think the max pressure is stamped on the tank somewhere. later today I'll look at mine and see what I can find.

Don't do it!!!
Even if you find a higher rating on the tank, after all those years it could have lost some of its strength due to corrosion.
Also, operating the pump at higher pressures will cause the motor to draw more amperage possibly tripping the breaker.

Operating at higher pressures theoretically gives you more air but in practical terms it only gives you a few more seconds before the compressor starts.

The CFM rating of the pump is where you get an increase in air output.

I didn't see any pressure info stamped on the tanks although both had stickers stating 125psi maximum. I agree with Greg that is isn't a good idea to increase the pressure on an old tank!

Would a tank have a max PSI listed somewhere on the tank? I suppose I don't totally understand the difference between pressure and CFM, but I run my Husky Compressor at 150 PSI, and it seems running it that high that I have longer run time before the pump kicks on with more run time before the pressure drops below the usable range. I most use the compressor for blowing things off, framing nailer, and impact wrench.

At some point when new, it had a plate/decal stating the HP, the size of the tank, the cfm of the compressor and max. pressure. Do not exceed the MAXIMUM PRESSURE!
CFM is the cubic feet per minute that the compressor will deliver( this determines what kind of tools you can use effectively). Tools are rated at a cfm of air usage. The more cfms you have, the more tools you can use. The size of the tank along with the size of the comp. will determine how long it runs from cut in pressure to cut out pressure. A lot of pressure is generally not needed(most will come in at 90-110 and out at 125-150 or less.
They are also rated as to run time 50% to 100% duty rated(how long they can run before letting them cool/rest).