Image based on one from the British Leyland Workshop Manual
Any expansion and contraction of fuel or air in the tank while the engine is switched off moves through the expansion (4) or separation (7) tanks, vapour lines (5), charcoal adsorption cannister (8), running-on control hose (11), anti-runon valve (19) and vent pipe (20) to/from the atmosphere. Petrol fumes from the vapours are adsorbed by the charcoal and not discharged to the atmosphere. If the engine is running any fumes from expansion are drawn into the engine and burnt, see Crankcase Breathing.