How to keep connection to Active database in Spring Package

In our Spring Batch Application, we are calling a stored procedure. SP processes records in 1 hour. During this duration DB Connection with opens from Spring Package is complete and we got "Socket Timeout Issue".

Manually, we will overcome this problem by changing the Oracle Parameter - SQLNET.EXPIRE_TIME, which maintains connections until processing is complete.

Is there a way to make changes in Spring Batch that will keep the connection active until processing is done.

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Ramesh.