Drilling apparatus for tapping into a fluid containing vessel

A drilling apparatus for tapping into a fluid containing vessel from a valve device connected with the vessel, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a housing having a lower end adapted for attachment of the apparatus to the valve device, the housing defining a housing bore, the housing bore defining a housing bore axis;
• (b) a feed rod assembly connected with the housing adjacent to the housing bore, and not contained within the housing bore;
• (c) a feed nut connected with the feed rod assembly, the feed nut defining a first bore;
• (d) a drilling rod extending through the housing bore and rotatably supported in the first bore of the feed nut;
• (e) a drilling bit connected to a lower end of the drilling rod, for tapping into the vessel;
• and
• (f) a support frame associated with the housing for maintaining alignment of the feed rod assembly, wherein the support frame is comprised of a first frame member connected with the housing and a second frame member connected with the housing;
• wherein manipulation of the feed rod assembly results in axial movement of the feed nut and the drilling rod relative to the housing bore axis so that the drilling rod moves through the housing bore.