Originally Posted by
sierrafery
I think that the gist is in the bolded part of the description:
The filler tube incorporates a tank vent which allows air and fuel vapour displaced from the tank when filling to vent to
atmosphere via the filler neck.
A breather spout within the tank controls the tank 'full' height. When fuel covers the spout it prevents fuel vapour and
air from escaping from the tank. This causes the fuel to 'back-up' in the filler tube and shuts off the filler gun. The
position of the spout ensures that when the filler gun shuts off, a vapour space of approximately 10% of the tanks total
capacity remains. The vapour space ensures that the Roll Over Valve (ROV) is always above the fuel level and vapour
can escape and allow the tank to breathe.
The ROV is welded on the top surface of the tank. The ROV is connected by a tube to the filler tube, which in turn is
connected to the atmospheric vent pipe. The ROV allows fuel vapour to pass through it during normal vehicle
operation. In the event of the vehicle being overturned the valve shuts off, sealing the tank and preventing fuel from
spilling from the atmospheric vent pipe.